Osteopathy takes a holistic approach and deals with functional issues to the body, emphasizing how structure (bones, muscles, fascia) and function (movement, circulation, nervous system) interact, and how the body’s innate ability to heal itself can be supported. On the website, it is described as focusing on « the whole body … the body’s intrinsic ability to heal itself » and addressing systems including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, digestive, hormonal and neurological. (MyAlbertaOsteo.com). Osteopathy mainly use craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation along with joint and fascial mobilization as means of treatment.

While physiotherapy often focuses primarily on movement, exercise, electrotherapy, and rehabilitation of injuries, chiropractic care may focus more on spinal alignment. With spinal and joint treatment, they do have nervous and vascular system impact as well.

Osteopathy uses manual palpation, mobilization, and sometimes techniques like the « Mechanical Link Method » (as indicated on the site) to address restrictions in tissues, organs and body systems. 

A patient came in complaining of headaches that began after a car accident, where the back of her head had violently struck the headrest. She had seen several healthcare professionals over the past few months. During her first osteopathic appointment, I noticed that her right occipitomastoid (OM) suture was severely tense. By applying gentle pressure to this area, her A patient came in complaining of headaches that began after a car accident, where the back of her head had violently struck the headrest. She had seen several healthcare professionals over the past few months. During her first osteopathic appointment, I noticed that her right occipitomastoid (OM) suture was severely tense.

By applying gentle pressure to this area, her headaches completely dissipated.

Anatomy teaches us that an important vein runs inside the skull near the right OM suture, and a significant proportion of headaches are caused by reduced cranial blood flow. In her case, the blow to the head caused a restriction in the tiny mobility of the cranium, causing her headaches.

Yes, the « short-tie syndrome. » This is a term I came up with after noticing, while waiting at a stoplight, that other drivers often had their chins drawn downward. I describe it as fascia from the neck, thorax, diaphragm, and vertebrae being pulled inward, which in turn draws the head downward. You can read the full article on my blog and Facebook page, My Alberta Osteo.

The Mechanical Link method is an advanced osteopathic approach that identifies and treats tissue restrictions and links between different body parts (rather than addressing isolated joints or muscles). 

It was created by Paul Chauffour and Eric Pratt, both French osteopathic manual therapist. Stephan does advanced training with Eric Pratt a few times per year. It’s a strategy the practitioner uses to identify the root cause and support optimal functional balance across the body.

Osteopathy recognizes the paramount role of the arteries in delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Proper arterial function is essential for healing and optimal health. Osteopathic treatment helps ensure that tissues receive adequate blood supply by addressing any restrictions that may impair circulation.

Rather than focusing solely on the area of pain or discomfort, osteopathy recognizes that all body systems are interconnected. A problem in one area may be caused by dysfunction elsewhere.

By assessing and treating the body as an integrated whole, we address the root causes of dysfunction and support comprehensive healing.