About Us
What is Osteopathy?
Manual osteopathy is a form of holistic and alternative therapy that treats a variety of musculoskeletal and systemic dysfunctions using hands-on techniques. The main principle behind manual osteopathy is the ability to assist the body’s innate mechanisms to heal and regulate itself with the focus on treating the body as a whole functioning unit with all of its 11 interrelated systems. These systems include your nervous system, skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, endocrine system, urinary system and integumentary system.
Manual Osteopathic techniques are evidence-based and have been put in practice for many years. Andrew Still invented Osteopathy in 1874 and since then, it has gained popularity all around the world, particularly in Europe.
Some common ailments that can benefit from osteopathic treatment include:
- back pain
- neck pain
- arthritis or other joint pain
- osteoporosis
- headaches
- migraines
- sciatica
- nerve pain/damage
- TMJ related pain
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports related injuries
- Chronic pain
- Fertility & Infertility
- Digestion related issues
- Concussions
At Avalon Osteopathy, we use a variety of manual therapies that include soft tissue therapy, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques as well as cranio-sacral therapy and visceral manipulation. This broad spectrum of techniques are all holistic approaches to assess and treat the body as a whole. Some of the benefits of osteopathy include:
-reduce symptoms and alleviate pain
-increase range of motion and flexibility
-promote balance and equilibrium
-relieve restrictions and adhesions
-increase circulation and blood flow
Check out our services to learn more about the types of therapy we incorporate into our practice.
Who we are
Avalon Osteopathy is a patient centered therapy clinic ran by Christina Anderson and Tyler Butt, two practitioners dedicated to making a difference.
We are experienced practitioners who have a passion for healing. At Avalon Osteopathy, our treatments are gentle and non-invasive, holistic and balancing.
We have years of practice working as manual osteopaths in Ontario. Through these previous years, we gained valuable experience that taught us the reality of the human body. We have seen all types of ailments and dysfunctions through different stages in life and we understand that not every human is the same and it doesn’t always function the way it is meant to. This is why you will never find one treatment the same as the next. The reward of ridding people from pain they have endured for years has encouraged us to become better practitioners so that each patient can walk out of our clinic feeling better then when they came in.
We have also been lucky to work along side some skilled practitioners who have helped shape the manual osteopaths we are today. At Avalon Osteopathy we believe in multidisciplinary treatment and often work in conjunction and off referrals from other practitioners and health care workers.
We moved to Newfoundland in the summer of 2021 to fulfill our dream of running our own clinic while spreading awareness of manual osteopathy across the island. Newfoundland is home to Tyler and we hope to make manual osteopathy more accessible to everyone.
Want to learn more about Christina and Tyler? Click here for more!
Mission
To make osteopathy more available and accessible to people across the island and to help as many people we can.
Vision
To run a manual osteopathy clinic that creates a comfortable environment for our clients and to develop a respectful and trusting relationship between patient and practitioner.
Values
- The body is one working unit
- structure governs function and function governs structure
- The body has the ability to self-regulate and self-heal
- Respect for the patient -practitioner relationship
F.A.Q.
Freguently Asked Questions
For your initial assessment, we will discuss an in depth health history report that may take 5-30 minutes depending on your history. We want to know as much as we can in order to accurately and successfully treat you. We will then do an assessment of the body and treat accordingly.
All appointments following your initial assessment will mainly consist of hands on treatment and rehabilitation.
Stretchy, light and loose fitted clothing is often best for a treatment as there is a lot of movement involved.
You will not need to remove your clothing for treatment.
Yes, most major insurance companies recognize manual osteopathy care. We are covered by the following insurance companies:
- Blue Cross
- Great-West Life
- Green Shield Canada
- Manulife Financial
- Sun Life
- Desjardins Insurance
- Cowan Insurance Group
However it is always recommended to check with your insurance provider before you book an appointment.
Treatment times vary. We offer 15, 30, 45 and 60 minute sessions. Your practitioner will often suggest how much time you should book to receive a beneficial treatment.
There are a few differences that separate manual osteopathy from chiropractic and physio therapy. Mainly, manual osteopaths take a full body approach that concentrates on treating the body as one unit, compared to chiropractors who focus on the spine and other alignment issues. Manual osteopaths also use grade 4 mobilizations (high amplitude, low velocity) whereas chiropractic often uses grade 5 manipulations (low amplitude, high velocity). Lastly, manual osteopaths treat a wider range of ailments that aren’t commonly treated through chiropractic or physio therapy.