Therapists at the Vancouver Osteopathy Centre are either Manual Osteopathic Practitioners or extensively trained in these techniques. Many have dual healthcare licenses including physiotherapy, massage or athletic therapy. We are not Osteopathic Physicians and our services are not covered under MSP. Most extended health insurance plans cover osteopathy. Please check your plan. A referral from your doctor is not necessary but they are often very interested in osteopathy and how we can help. We assess but we do not diagnose. To obtain a medical diagnosis, please see your MD. A Little History: Osteopathy treatment was developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800’s. A country doctor, he became discouraged with the medicine of the time when he lost three of his own children to meningitis. He spent ten years searching for a natural, drugless approach to medicine which he eventually named osteopathy. Osteopathy is truly “wholistic”. We never lose sight of the whole person. A dysfunction in one part of the body can have a global effect on the rest of the body. We treat the root cause of your problem and the structures that are affected. Osteopathy uses many different therapeutic approaches and is quite 3-dimensional which makes the treatment more powerful. At the Vancouver Osteopathy Centre you can benefit from the expertise and individualized treatment approaches of practitioners trained in Canada, Britain and France. Osteopathy works with your own energy. We work with the vitality or the energy that is present within you without using undo force. The gentle palpation itself begins the treatment as your body begins to feel safe and relaxed. Osteopathic Practitioners study for years to develop highly sensitive palpation skills. We really “listen” to what your body is telling us and where it is asking for help—it’s trying to get your attention! Osteopathy is very “present” and immediate to what your body needs today. It’s all about connection. We are extensively trained in manual techniques to treat muscles, fascia, joints, organs and nerves. Osteopathy has a unique methodology through a study of anatomy, physiology and the interrelationships of all bodily systems. We calm the central nervous system, improve circulation of fluids and assist your immune system. It’s not just about the bones.