Osteopathic treatment can be helpful for a wide range of ailments and conditions. Treatment generally involves removing strains, restrictions, and old injury patterns from the body through gentle manipulation.
As the affected area of the body comes to balance the patient’s own healing intelligence is given a chance to do its work. In this way, the treatments address both acute and long-standing conditions, even those that have been resistant to change.
In addition to addressing specific conditions, osteopathic treatments consider the whole body, and will often result in an increased feeling of well-being in the patient.
What happens during a visit to the osteopath?
A visit to a D.O. is much like a visit to your family doctor. The D.O. will ask you questions about your medical history, physical condition, and lifestyle.
However, the physical exam of your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons will be more extensive than with your family doctor. During the physical, the D.O. may:
- Look at your posture, spine, and balance
- Check your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Use his hands to manipulate your back, legs, or arms
They may also measure changes in your skin temperature and sweat gland activity. If needed, the D.O. will order X-rays and laboratory tests.
When the results are in, the D.O. will make a diagnosis and set up a treatment plan for you that may include prescription medications.
For problems involving the bones, muscles, tendons, tissues, or spine, many D.O.s use OMTs. There are two categories of OMT procedures: direct and indirect.
In direct OMT, "problem," or "tight" tissues are moved (by the D.O., the person being treated, or both) toward the areas of tightness. In indirect OMT, the D.O. pushes the "tight" tissues away, in the opposite direction of the muscle's resistance.
The D.O. holds the tissues in this position until the tight muscle relaxes.

What illnesses and conditions respond well to osteopathy?
Most osteopathic doctors use many of the medical and surgical treatments used by medical doctors. OMTs are used to treat a variety of health problems, both musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal.
The best scientific evidence shows that OMTs are most effective for back and neck pain. In fact, you may be able to reduce the amount of pain medication you are taking for back pain if you receive OMTs as part of your therapy.
Some preliminary evidence also shows that OMTs may be helpful for:
- Low back pain
- Ankle injuries
- Asthma
- Fibromyalgia
- Tennis elbow
- Neck pain
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Recovery after surgery
- Menstrual pain
- Depression
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Pregnancy and labor
How much does an osteopath cost in Ottawa?
The cost of osteopathic treatment depends on the fee set out by the particular osteopath. Typically, an hour appointment will cost between $60 to $130 per hour.
The number of appointments will depend on the complexity and severity of the particular condition.
Some private healthcare insurance plans cover osteopathic treatment; you should consult the details of your plan carefully before starting treatment.

Here Are The Best Osteopaths in Ottawa
1. Adnan Osteopathy
Adnan Tahirovic is a licensed osteopath (D.O.M.P), licensed massage therapist (Shiatsu, Swedish, and Tui na – one of the oldest forms of manual therapy), certified yoga therapist, internationally known Yoga teacher, and a former professional athlete.
Adnan uses a wide range of non-invasive manual techniques such as deep tissue massage, assisted stretching, MET-muscle energy techniques, and other osteopathic techniques to relieve lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Client Reviews
I was having terrible back aches for 2 years. I went to physio, chiro, and massages, but nothing seemed to help too much. I finally found Adnan and went to 3 sessions, and what a difference it made, my back feels so much better than before. I still have pain that comes and goes but Adnan showed me some stretching exercises that are very helpful. I must admit that the sessions can be intense, but it works!
Address: 15 Lebreton St N, Ottawa, ON K1R 7H1, Canada
Website: http://yosteotherapy.com/
Phone: +16132550072

2. Dominick Hussey - Capital Osteopathy
Dominick has been practicing Osteopathy since 1997. He brings a wealth of experience and diverse training to his treatments.
Along with physical treatment to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance performance and promote healing, he assesses the underlying (root) causes for your health concerns. Addressing diet and lifestyle, nutrition, emotional traumas.
Client Reviews
After a year of suffering from back pain, I was recommended by multiple people to try osteopathy. I found Dominick online and after reading the many positive reviews decided to book an appointment. Dominick assessed multiple possibilities and was able to find the underlying root of the problem and I have been pain free since my last visit. After seeing Dominick I feel like I have a much greater understanding of how the environment and certain habits can affect the body in various ways. I would highly recommend his services.
Address: 355 Waverley St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0W4, Canada
Website: https://www.capitalosteopathy.ca/
Phone: +16132300998

3. Arianne Gosselin, Osteopathic Manual Therapist
Arianne Gosselin is an Osteopathic Manual Therapist practicing classical osteopathy. She utilizes osteopathic principles established by the founder of the profession, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still.
Arianne consults in both English and French and all osteopathy treatments are covered by insurance.
She is a member of OSTCAN, which is the professional association of Canadian osteopathic practitioners that has the highest standards of admission. Click on the contact page to book an appointment or a free 15-minute consultation with Arianne today.
Client Reviews
Arianne has been my first experience with an Osteopath, and it's been such a wonderful experience! She is thorough with her intake and compassionate with her responses and approach. I experienced a concussion 3 years ago and have had much relief of my physical symptoms over the short time I have seen her. Would highly recommend to anyone experiencing pain involving joint movement or long-standing chronic pain.
Address: 904 Lady Ellen Pl, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5L5, Canada
Website: http://www.agosteo.com/
Phone: +16137981000

4. Ottawa Osteopathy & Sports Therapy
Ottawa Osteopathy & Sports Therapy provides professional and personalized health care for both athletes and the active population in a private clinic setting.
Our treatments combine the evidence-based success of the sports medicine model with the growing demand for holistic care. We offer osteopathy, physiotherapy, massage therapy, athletic therapy, and kinesiology, all within the same clinic.
Client Reviews
Pauline is amazing. Definitely a natural healer and committed to her craft. I always feel better after her treatments. She does a fantastic job working through complex issues. Lives to get your feedback on what's working and what isn't. I'm sold and you will be to once you visit.
Address: 2197 Riverside Dr. #601, Ottawa, ON K1H 7X3, Canada
Website: http://www.ottawaosteopath.com/
Phone: +16135213222