What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a gentle manual therapy that seeks to balance the body by finding and treating the cause of discomfort, so that the body can function at an optimal level. It treats many areas of the body including joints, muscles, organs, circulation, and the nervous system. Osteopathy can treat numerous ailments such as acute and chronic pain, tendinitis, heart burn, headaches, sciatica, digestive issues, back pain, neck pain, swelling, posture and more. Osteopathy has always been at the forefront of medicine. Since its inception, osteopaths have developed many techniques that are used by other professions today, such as adjustment, cranial osteopathy (a.k.a. craniosacral therapy), muscle energy, strain counterstrain and visceral manipulation.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is the adjustment of joints in the body. This technique can be used on any joint in the body. It is used as one of many techniques when deemed necessary by the osteopath. Often the range of motion of joints can become limited through injury, poor posture, sedentary lifestyle and/or repetitive strain. Adjustment is a quick, easy and harmless way to correct the imbalance.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral manipulation is a technique that examines the functional and structural imbalances of organs. It focuses on the relationship between the motion of an organ and the surrounding supporting structures, such as membranes, fascia and ligaments. Visceral manipulation gently re-establishes proper communication between the organs and the nervous system to relieve the body of symptoms of pain, dysfunction and poor posture.
Fascial Release
Fascia is connective tissue that is found throughout the body. Fascia surrounds muscles, organs, ligament and bones. It is a support system that holds and separates different components of the body. Fascia can constrict movement of the various fluids of the body, such as blood and lymph. It can also limit movement of muscles and joints. Fascial release is a technique that focuses on loosening the fascia so that the affected areas work properly again in a balanced state.
Muscle Energy
Muscle energy is a gentle technique that uses the force of the body’s own muscles to make corrections to joints.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy, or craniosacral therapy, is a gentle technique that balances the rhythm of the cranium and sacrum, which are affected by the flow of the cerebral spinal fluid that runs through the nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems could include headaches, chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities and other health challenges.
The positive effects of craniosacral therapy rely to a large extent on your body’s natural self-corrective activities. The therapist’s light, hands-on approach simply assists the hydraulic forces inherent in the craniosacral system to improve your body’s internal environment and strengthen its ability to heal itself.
Osteopathy vs. Chiropractic
- Osteopathy looks at the whole body, not just the spine. It uses gentle hands-on techniques to improve movement, blood flow, and overall health. Think of it as tuning the whole orchestra, not just the violin.
- Chiropractic mainly focuses on the spine and nervous system, using quick adjustments (often with cracking) to realign the spine and relieve nerve pressure.
Why some people prefer osteopathy:
- It’s gentler and often more relaxing.
- It considers muscles, joints, organs, and circulation—not just bones.
- Osteopaths often take more time and offer broader health advice.
In short: Osteopathy is holistic and subtle. Chiropractic is focused and forceful. Both have their strengths—it’s about what your body responds to best.
Why Choose Us for Osteopathy in Etobicoke?
Our osteopaths take a whole-body approach, treating the root cause—not just the symptoms. We use gentle, precise techniques tailored to your body’s needs, helping restore balance without force. What sets us apart:
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Thorough, personalized assessments
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Nervous-system-friendly care
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Clear guidance for lasting results
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Consistent, compassionate practitioners
- If you’re looking for a calm, clinical space where your body is truly heard—you’re in the right place.