Osteopathy is a holistic medicine based on the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body. It is a treatment approach “which seeks to identify areas of the body that are restricted or constricted, then gently ease these restrictions so that normal function can resume.” [Ontario Association of Osteopaths] Osteopathic manual practitioners are able to achieve this by applying their refined palpation skills and gentle hands-on treatment. Osteopathic manual practitioners address all elements of the body including bones, joints, soft tissues, organs, fluids, and the cranial system.
Osteopathic manual practitioners recognize that symptoms of pain, discomfort, or disease may be experienced locally, however, since the body works as an integrated whole, the causes of those symptoms may actually occur at a different area in the body. Osteopathic manual practitioners are able to find and treat the causes of the symptoms making this treatment approach effective and efficient.
Osteopathic manual practitioners are able to address problems in any of these systems:
- Musculoskeletal
- Respiratory
- Cardiovascular
- Digestive
- Reproductive
- Nervous
Anita Young , Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
Anita Young is a graduate of the 7-year curriculum at the Canadian College of Osteopathy. She practices at the Riverdale Homeopathic Clinic (416.778.0085 www.riverdalehomeopathy.com)
as well as at Broad View Health (647.668.7177 www.broadviewhealth.ca).
Anita also has a 14-year background as a registered nurse (McMaster University).
She has a range of experience in general medicine, public health and street nursing in Toronto’s urban core.
What to Expect
- Bring or wear lightweight, loose-fitting pants or shorts and t-shirt
- Women bring or wear a bra
- Expect to be here 1.5 hours for your first visit (subsequent visits are 1 hour)
At your first visit
- The first session starts with a survey of your health including a review of history, and primary complaint(s), then a physical assessment of systems and structures that might be related to your discomfort
- You may be asked to temporarily lift or remove your shirt during assessment
- Treatment is gentle, hands-on and will likely involve different areas of your body
About the experience
- You will be treated on a massage-style table. You may be asked to stand, sit, walk, bend, temporarily lift or remove your shirt—your experience should not be uncomfortable so please discuss any discomfort with Anita
- You may feel gentle, precise pressure from the practitioner’s hands or arms
- You may feel local or general sensations of heat, mild tingling, twitching, or “releasing” as tissue function is restored. You may experience some transient discomfort as your tissues work through its dysfunction. You may experience deep relaxation or temporary sleepiness during treatment. Although you may not be aware of changes or physical effects during treatment, gentleness of this treatment is not an indication of ineffectiveness
- In days following your visit, you may be aware of continuing adjustments within your body
- You will likely experience immediate and subsequent relief of pain, changes in your state of health, and improved ability to engage in activities—these are good indicators of treatment effectiveness
Treatment and Fees
The initial session may take up to 1.5 hours; subsequent visits are one hour long.
Treatments are $100 per session.
Anita’s billing number is largely recognized by health insurance companies.