Osteopathy is a manual therapy, much like physiotherapy or chiropractic, for example. However, it differs in being a standalone medicine, meaning its application aims to heal any type of functional disorder of the human body. Therefore, it is through touch that an osteopath chooses to assist the body in regaining health.

Osteopathy was founded in the 19th century by an American physician and surgeon, Andrew Taylor Still. After being disappointed by his results in traditional medicine of the time, he decided to explore anatomy in search of answers to his patients' problems. He discovered that by unblocking structures of the body through manual techniques, health was restored without invasive intervention. A philosophy laying the foundation of this practice emerged in this context: the body possesses all the necessary "pharmacy" to heal itself.

With faith in life and the human body, generations of osteopaths have sought to explore this rich discovery that is osteopathy.

One of the main goals of the osteopath is to find the causes of specific issues for each individual. These causes are often mobility restrictions in the patient's body. Once the investigative work is done, these restrictions need to be reduced. To do this, various approaches are available, depending on the specific needs of a situation or the beliefs and strengths of the therapist. Some have a more biomechanical focus while others are more biodynamic. The former tend to impose their own force on the patient's body tissues (moving a lot), while the latter use the body's internal force (move less).

However, regardless of the approach adopted, tissue dialogue is always an integral part of the osteopath's intervention. By establishing "communication" between their hands and the patient's tissues, the osteopath finds the cause of dysfunction in the body, proposes a correction, and does not exceed the limits of these same tissues. This is why osteopathic treatment is rarely painful.

But what does this mean in practical terms?

Let's say an osteopath finds an issue in a patient's shoulder blade. It is not free to move normally in all directions. The osteopath will test its mobility to determine which directional parameters are "blocked" (up/down, left/right, forward/backward). Once the restricted parameters are identified, they may either tension the tissues holding it in that position (to loosen it) or bring the shoulder blade closer in the direction of the tensions (as if bringing the two ends of a stretched elastic closer together to release it). By being receptive to what happens under their hands during the technique, the osteopath will only need to wait for the tensions to release themselves.

These two examples are just part of the ways to treat tension. What should be understood is that when the osteopath manipulates a structure in your body, there is often a proposition made to the patient's body tissues, and these tissues react by relaxing or not (in which case the osteopath will have to choose another way to treat the tensions or look elsewhere for a priority element).

There are as many approaches as there are osteopaths. That's the beauty of osteopathy. Just as an osteopath can be a technician who applies a methodology created by other osteopaths with a more rational approach, they can also be an artist who creates their work on the spot. There's no method better than others. Everyone has their vision of what brings the best results.

Generally, osteopaths are classified on a spectrum ranging from biomechanical -> biodynamic -> bioenergetic. On one hand, biomechanical osteopaths tend to work more physically. Pulling, pushing, cracking, etc. Osteopaths who use this approach are generally more rational, down-to-earth. This is often the type of osteopathy used for athletes.

On the other hand, in biodynamics and bioenergy, osteopaths will use the body's internal forces. Instead of moving a lot, they act as a support for the body using a more subtle palpation to restore mobility and health to the structures of the human body.

In essence, it's a bit like parenting. On one side, you have Papa Yang who corrects the child directly by saying, "I know what your problem is, come here and let me shake you up a bit." On the other side, you have Mama Yin who says, "Tell me what's wrong, I'm here to listen, you're safe here."

Each situation requires sharp listening to determine the necessary approach. And for each osteopath, their preferred toolbox!

If you've read the previous question, my approach is generally more on the gentle and listening side. I'm the Mama Yin! Haha!

What I've noticed over the years is that I had better results in my osteopathic practice when I managed to authentically connect with my clients. Whether through conversation or in silence. When the person in front of me allows themselves to be seen and touched with trust, without judgment and without expectations. And when I work to do the same in presence, that's when the therapeutic impact is greatest.

Of course, targeting the right areas to work on and knowing the most suitable technique is important. But if a person comes in full resistance to the osteopathic experience due to apprehensions within them, it's harder to create a context that fosters healing. It's like going to therapy and not feeling like opening up about your wounds. It drains the energy, as they say!

In a consultation, I bring my own authenticity. I bring who I am to show the way when needed. So that we can build this therapeutic relationship together! The more we drop the masks, the more we can see each other and bring ourselves what we truly need to bring.

And all this, without expectations or pressure. This text is an invitation, not an obligation!

Osteopaths who are members of the AONB have received training of at least 4200 hours. This is generally a 6-year training program that focuses primarily on the physiology, anatomy, and pathology of the human body, various techniques to restore health to different structures, as well as numerous days of supervised clinical practice.

Osteopathy is a holistic approach that considers the individual as a whole. The osteopath is an investigator who seeks answers to the patient's symptoms by having a global view of health. It is through asking questions and using touch that they establish connections between the patient's history and condition.

The osteopath is attentive to the client's reality: their lifestyle, emotions, habits, accidents, and surgeries, in order to understand what has led the client to their current situation.

What primarily distinguishes osteopathy from other approaches is above all listening, both in verbal communication and in understanding the body language of its clients. This is manifested through a unique and personalized communication style.

Musculoskeletal issues: Osteopathy can help alleviate muscle pain, tension, sprains, back pain, joint pain (such as arthritis), neck and shoulder pain, as well as other problems related to the musculoskeletal system.

Neurological disorders: While osteopathy cannot directly treat serious neurological disorders, it can sometimes alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders, such as headaches, migraines, and nerve pain.

Digestive problems: Some osteopathic practitioners claim to be able to help improve digestion by working on the muscles and structures around the stomach and intestines.

Respiratory issues: Osteopathy can help relieve symptoms of certain respiratory disorders by improving the mobility of the thoracic cage and promoting better breathing.

Stress management: By reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, osteopathy can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

An osteopathy session typically lasts around 60 minutes on average. However, it's not a fixed duration. The osteopath usually works with 'projects', meaning they set goals to correct certain structures, and sometimes they may end a bit earlier if they feel they don't have time to start working on a new area, while they can extend a session if the ongoing work requires a bit more time.

An initial or follow-up questionnaire will first be conducted before moving on to the step of evaluating the body's structures. Finally, the osteopath will conclude by providing recommendations on exercises or elements to work on for the next session.

There is no strict rule for the number of sessions. It depends on factors such as the level of pain, how long it has been present, whether the injury is chronic or acute, the client's goals, and so on. Generally, it is often recommended to have 3 sessions, spaced every two weeks. At the end of these sessions, we can have a better idea of the evolution of symptom healing and the impact of the care on the client's condition. As a general rule, treatment continues as long as the condition improves and the client feels the benefits.

The answer to this question depends on your insurer. You can check your coverage before coming to your appointment. A receipt will be issued, and you will be responsible for submitting the receipt to your insurance to obtain your reimbursement.

While some osteopaths prefer to work with their clients in underwear, I only ask that you wear clothing with a certain level of elasticity to facilitate movement as needed.

There are no rules or expectations about this! It's possible that we'll talk throughout the session or remain silent. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to ask!

If any of my palpation techniques cause discomfort, please let me know, especially if it's painful or unbearable!

In manual therapy, it is often difficult to provide a diagnostic answer. We will talk more about a diagnostic impression. So, I will do my best to provide you with a summary of the structures worked on as well as the treatment plan.

If it is not clear to you, or if the explanation is too brief, I rely on you to let me know!