Osteopathic Manual Therapy FAQ — Calgary

People commonly seek osteopathic manual therapy for musculoskeletal concerns such as back or neck pain, joint stiffness, muscular tension, restricted mobility, activity-related discomfort and symptoms following previous injuries.

Treatment may also be used to support comfortable movement and function during different stages of life, including pregnancy, ageing and return to activity.

Osteopathic manual therapy is not a treatment for every medical condition. If your symptoms suggest that medical investigation or another healthcare professional would be more appropriate, we will recommend further assessment.

Your appointment begins with a conversation about your current concern, relevant medical history, previous injuries, activity level and goals.

A physical assessment may then include observation of movement, active and passive range of motion, joint mobility, soft-tissue findings and other musculoskeletal factors relevant to your presentation.

We will explain the assessment findings and discuss the proposed treatment before beginning hands-on care. Treatment is individualized and may include joint mobilization, soft-tissue techniques, myofascial approaches or other manual methods when appropriate.

You can ask questions at any time, and treatment can be modified or stopped according to your comfort and preferences.

The number of appointments varies depending on the concern, how long symptoms have been present, your overall health, activity level, goals and how you respond to care.

Some people notice meaningful improvement after only a small number of visits, while others may benefit from a longer period of care. We do not recommend a predetermined treatment schedule for everyone.

Your progress is reassessed as care continues, and the treatment plan can be adjusted, spaced out or discontinued depending on your response and needs.

Many extended health insurance plans in Alberta provide coverage for osteopathic manual therapy. Coverage depends on your individual plan and insurer, so we recommend confirming your benefits before your appointment.

Antoine Michel is a member of the Alberta Association of Osteopathic Manual Therapists (AAOMT), whose members are recognized by many extended health insurance providers.

Direct billing may be available with some insurers, but availability depends on the specific insurance company and plan.

No. You can book an appointment directly with Ellipse Therapy without a physician’s referral.

However, extended health insurance plans can have different reimbursement requirements. If you plan to submit your treatment to insurance, check your individual policy beforehand to confirm whether your insurer requires a referral or any additional documentation.

If your assessment suggests that your symptoms require medical investigation or care from another healthcare professional, we will discuss that with you and recommend the appropriate next step.

For most people, osteopathic manual therapy is considered a low-risk form of care when treatment is appropriately selected and adapted to the individual.

Some people may experience temporary soreness, stiffness or increased discomfort following treatment. These effects are generally mild and short-lived.

Before treatment, we review your health history and assess whether particular techniques are appropriate for you. Treatment is adapted to your comfort, and we explain the proposed approach so that you can provide informed consent. You can ask questions, modify treatment or stop at any time.

If your symptoms or medical history suggest that manual therapy may not be appropriate, or that further medical assessment is needed, we will recommend the appropriate next step.

Yes. Osteopathic manual therapy can be adapted for babies, children and teenagers using gentle, age-appropriate techniques.

At Ellipse Therapy, pediatric appointments are individualized according to the child’s age, development, comfort and presentation. Assessment may include movement, positional preferences, range of motion, mobility and areas of musculoskeletal tension.

For babies with feeding or latch difficulties, osteopathic manual therapy may be used as an adjunct to lactation care when musculoskeletal factors appear relevant. It does not replace assessment of feeding, growth, oral anatomy or other medical factors by the appropriate healthcare professional.

When a child’s presentation suggests that medical, pediatric or allied-health assessment is more appropriate, we will recommend that next step.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and gives access to the area being assessed when appropriate.

Depending on your concern, you may be asked to perform simple movements or change position during the assessment. Shorts, leggings, athletic wear or other flexible clothing are usually suitable.

If any clothing adjustment is needed for assessment or treatment, we will explain why and make sure you are comfortable before proceeding. Your privacy and consent are respected throughout the appointment.

Appointment length depends on the type of visit you book.

Initial appointments are usually longer because they include a more detailed health history and assessment before treatment begins. Follow-up appointments are typically shorter and focus on reassessment, progress and ongoing care.

The exact appointment duration is shown when you book online through Jane.

Ellipse Therapy is located inside Market Mall Professional Centre in Northwest Calgary.

Address:
Suite 312, 4935 40 Avenue NW
Calgary, Alberta T3A 2N1

The clinic is convenient for patients coming from Varsity, Dalhousie, Brentwood, University District, Montgomery, Bowness, Arbour Lake and surrounding Calgary NW communities, but not limited to.

You can find the full contact details, map and clinic hours on our Contact page.

You can book an appointment online through our secure Jane booking page.

Choose the appointment type that best matches your needs, select an available time and complete the required booking information.

If you are unsure which appointment type to choose, contact Antoine directly at antoine.michel@ellipsetherapy.com before booking.

Our clinic is located inside Market Mall Professional Centre in Calgary NW.