Osteopathy
Osteopathic Manual Practice is a hands-on therapy focusing on the body's interconnectedness, using techniques to improve musculoskeletal, circulatory, and nervous system function for self-healing. The goal is to treat the whole person, not just a symptom.
Book an appointment to experience the benefits of Osteopathy. Release pain, regain and maintain your freedom of movement.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is Complementary Healthcare
Osteopathy is 'hands on' healthcare that complements medical care by viewing the body as a complex interdependent network of many different systems including: fascia, muscles, bones, ligaments, circulation, nerves. Osteopathy can help identify and address how a restriction in one area of the body is causing symptoms to present elsewhere.
As an example, ankle and foot pain will restrict bio-mechanical ease causing compensations that limit a person's 'walkability'. These compensations will change how a person walks and create unnecessary strain in the knee, hip, or low-back as the body struggles to adapt in order to absorb the force of gravity and impact.
Manual Osteopaths assess and help maintain your abilities using a variety of manual and movement therapy, such as:
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Primary Respiratory Mechanism
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General Osteopathic Technique
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Compression/Traction
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Muscle Energy
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Cranio - Sacral
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Osteo - Articular
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Strain - Counterstrain​​​
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Positions of Ease
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Benefits of Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Chronic Pain
Manage and decrease chronic pain associated with neurological conditions, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, arthritis and more.
Stress Relief
Decreasing stress while improving relaxation, body awareness, grounding and mindfulness.
Edema/Swelling
Stimulate the lymphatic system to significantly decrease and manage swelling and congestion.
Pre/Post Natal
Decrease and manage low back, pelvic and upper back pain, improve posture, decrease stress, while preparing and recovering from birth.
Pediatric
Support breast-feeding and latch, soothe digestion and help regulate.
Post Surgical
Mobilize scar tissue from injury or surgery of all kinds to help restore range of motion and strength, minimize adhesion formation, decrease nerve compression and improve circulation.
Headache, Migraines and Jaw Pain
Prevent, manage and decrease the intensity of chronic tension headaches, migraines and jaw pain.
Respiratory Conditions
Decrease restrictions in the diaphragm and rib cage, mobilize mucus buildup in lungs and promote deep breathing to eliminate inflammation.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Decrease compensatory patterns, postural dysfunctions, and promote full strength and range of motion in affected muscles and joints.
Low Back and Pelvic Pain
Reduce pain, improve mobility, stability, muscle tone and circulation.
About Susan
Susan is a former professional dancer who graduated from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1994, and danced as a ballerina in Canada, Scotland and China. Dancers often experience repetitive strain injuries, and this is where Susan's fascination with wellness and the body began.
During her career as a dancer, Susan experienced several injuries herself including: tendonitis and pain in her ankles, knees, hips, and low-back. One of her most debilitating injury was a broken fifth metatarsal due to a leap that launched beautifully, but landed badly. Luckily the bone healed and Susan was able to return to dancing en pointe with support from Physiotherapists.
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This story of injury and pain is commonplace. It can happen during athletic activity, at work and or anytime throughout life - especially as we age and cease to be physically active. Osteopathy supports healing, resiliency and vitality in the body, so people who have experienced an injury are able to return to the activities they love.
Susan is a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths (NSAO) and the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS). She enjoys helping people prevent disease through moving with greater ease.
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Additionally, she is a Stott Pilates Instructor. Pilates enhances core stability and mobility. The mat work and rehab reformer (specialized Pilates equipment) complements Osteopathy, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Supporting people to be proactive in their health through movement in Nature is essential. Because of this, she volunteers locally with and supports the much-loved sections of the Trans Canada Trail along the Eastern Shore, which is part of the Halifax Active Transportation system. Susan encourages local clients to include a walk on the trail when they come for Osteopathy with her.
Insurance
Susan can direct bill most insurance companies provided clients have a referral from a doctor.