Osteopathy represented by floral motif anatomy art

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a gentle, holistic practice that evaluates and manually treats restricted movement in the body.  One of the founding principles is that structure and function are interrelated, so when the body is compromised in its ability to move freely then it’s function will also become compromised.  These dysfunctions will often be perceptible to an osteopath long before anything shows up on a standard medical test.  Osteopathy aims to address the cause of issues in the body, rather than only the symptom. Osteopaths view an individual as a unified whole with each system of the body interconnected (musculoskeletal, visceral, nervous system, circulatory, lymphatic, etc). If one part or system of the body is restricted, the rest must compensate and adapt, which can manifest itself in a wide array of symptoms and health conditions. This pattern of tension is complex and highly individualistic, which is why osteopaths study anatomy in great detail.  By releasing the pattern of tension unique to that individual it gives an opportunity for the body to reach balance, comfort, and ease.  In a word: health.

 

What should I expect from osteopathic treatment?

A treatment starts with a thorough consultation to look for potential connections between past events or and conditions, with the ultimate goal of detecting the root cause of the problem, rather than simply treating the symptom. Different mechanisms of the body (cranio-sacral, musculoskeletal, fascias, visceral, circulatory, energetic, etc.) are evaluated using standing, sitting, and horizontal tests to determine treatment priorities. With the use of an array of sensorial and structural techniques, adjustments are made to eliminate blockages. This is performed with the ultimate goal of allowing for the body’s capacity to regulate itself.

Testimonials

Happy dancer treated by osteoaath in Nelson

Sonja Rue

Eli has treated me a few times, as well as given my partner amazing treatments when he was in an acute injury situation. He always goes above and beyond expectation, his manner is so gentle yet powerful and caring. He took the time to really look into what was going on for me and didn’t quit until he saw a change in my condition. Thanks so much Eli, you have a magic touch.

I had great relief from my lower back pain after only 1 session with Eli. He was able to assess the problem and over the next couple of days following the treatment, my pain totally went away. He also gave me rehab exercises to do on my own. He is very knowledgeable and kind. Will definitely be recommending him to my friends.
 
 
Client smiling after osteopathic treatment

Kerry Marsland

Happy client of an osteopath in Nelson, BC

Thomas Nowaczynski

 

Eli is awesome. He has helped me release a lot of body tightness in my body through very low-invasiveness techniques, and always provided more information and techniques for me to take home to continue helping myself to re-align. I have always felt very heard and understood by him, and usually mind-blown by how he manages to find the root of the pain or tightness a few layers deeper than the superficial areas that the pain comes to the surface in my awareness.

Eli helped me move through my long-term chronic pain. I felt relieved to have finally found a practitioner that could address the complexity of my issues. My body continued to respond positively to the treatment for weeks after the session. I highly recommend Eli for any chronic pain issues or bodywork in general.
 
 
glowing woman treated by osteopathy

Teresa Winter

Client pleased after osteopath session

Max Lathrop 

Eli is a born healer. I have lower back issues due to a curved spine. Eli did about 30 minutes of sacrum work and my pain disappeared for 2 weeks. It’s never really gotten bad again ever since because Eli will also suggest exercises and stretches you can do o your own to mitigate the problem. I highly recommend him for you healing work.

Eli’s treatments are very gentle, yet powerful. He is very knowledgeable and I trust him fully to help decipher the pain in my body. I come out of my appointments with much gratitude, feeling less pain and excited for future treatments.

Women in Nelson, BC talking about her experience with osteopathy

Dawnia Baines

Person smiling after osteopathy treatment

Marina K.

I slept better in the ten days following my first treatment, than I had in the previous ten years!

I had three sessions with Eli a couple of years ago for reoccurring back pain. I’m happy to say that I have never had an issue with it again since going to him. So grateful for his work.

Woman walking with son after being treated by an osteoapth, positive review

Laena Brown

What can osteopathy help with?

People who aren’t familiar with osteopathy may not be aware of the sorts of things that an Osteopath may be able to help with.  Osteopathy treats the body as an interconnected organism and brings the whole body back into balance.  That said, the following is a list of issues that an osteopath may be able to help with–

  • Acute/chronic musculoskeletal pain

    Back pain, joint pain, muscular tension/spasms, plantar fasciitis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, disc herniation, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ dysfunction sprains, fractures, tendinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, scar tissue etc.

  • Neurological

    Shooting nerve pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, concussion, etc.

  • Cardiovascular

    Circulatory disorders in extremities, venous congestion, edema, palpitations, tightness in chest, etc.

  • Digestive Issues

    Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, hiatal hernia, colitis, gastritis, acid reflux, indigestion, etc.

  • Gynecological

    Menstrual pain, fibrosis, cystitis, functional infertility, incontinence, etc.

  • Pre/postnatal

    monitoring and preparation for delivery (ligaments, muscles, pelvis, pelvic floor, etc.), providing optimal mobility for childbirth, etc.

  • Post surgical

    Scar tissue, strengthening, etc.

  • Autonomic nervous system

    Anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, migraines, etc.

  • Ears/nose/throat

    Repeated sinusitis, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, headaches, vertigo, tinnitus, asthma, etc.

Kootenay Osteopathy is a holistic osteopathy practice located in Slocan and Nelson, BC. Offering hands-on treatment, therapeutic exercises, diet, supplemental, lifestyle consulting and much more. The primary objective is to help each person discover the changes they need to make to reach their health goals and to support them in getting there. Treatments are gentle and effective. Sliding scale rates are offered to make services available to people of all income levels.  Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.  

Locations–

 

Nelson– 

#518 Lake Street. Unit 202 B

 Slocan– 

GreenSong Sanctuary