<![CDATA[www.osteoworks.ca

<![CDATA[www.osteoworks.ca - BLOG]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:41:48 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Frozen Shoulder & Manual Osteopathy]]>Fri, 02 Oct 2020 20:31:19 GMThttps://www.osteoworks.ca/blog/frozen-shoulder-manual-osteopathy

A comparison between shoulder capsule, inflammation leads to frozen shoulders

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in our bodies, so it makes sense to show it extra love when it comes to keeping it healthy and well. Shoulder movements make up more than half the upper body movements, but often injuries to the shoulder joint can be detrimental to our well-being. Today we will focus on one such injury or condition: frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis is a form of stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. The unresolved condition can worsen and limit us from performing arm and upper body range of motion. Manual Osteopathy is an effective treatment option to help heal issues caused by a frozen shoulder.

The shoulder consists of three major bones creating a ball and socket joint; Upper arm (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collar bone (clavicle). There’s soft tissue surrounding the joint forming, a capsule to hold everything. With a frozen shoulder, the capsule becomes thick and immobile. Scar tissues formed around the joint due to a lack of lubrication (synovial fluid)cause tissue thickening. Injuries and overuse without adequate rest of the shoulder cause scarring, untreated lead to inflammation, and symptoms of frozen shoulder.

Common symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and stiffness, and low range of motion. Dull achy pain is felt around the shoulder round and may transfer to the biceps, triceps, and upper shoulder blade.

Symptoms occur in three stages.

Freezing stage: pain occurs during movement, shoulder movements feel limited and restricted. Lasting 6 - 9 months.
Frozen stage: stiffness gets worse, the range of motion is minimal and basic movements like flexion, extension, and raises are at a low minimum without support. Lasting up to 12 months.
Thawing stage: once you start receiving proper treatments and therapy, range of motion improves, and movements do not trigger pain or discomfort. The healing stage takes over 1 - 1.5 years.

Shoulder injuries, arthritis, and certain genetic conditions may be the leading causes of a frozen shoulder. Torn rotator cuffs usually lead to shoulder weakening, along with postural imbalances (rounding shoulders or hunching) places excessive pressure on the shoulder capsule. Capsule irritation leads to the thickening of the tissue and restricting mobility. Joint inflammation caused by arthritis can slow down the healing process leading to frozen shoulder symptoms. Abnormal thyroid functions, heart disease, and diabetes affects the healing process and could affect pre-existing shoulder problems.

A combination of manual therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, ibuprofen), and corticosteroid injections can help improve and heal the shoulder. I usually recommend Manual Osteopathy as an effective treatment plan. The various mobilization techniques can help break down scar tissue, facilitate increased blood circulation, and increase range of motion. Manual Osteopathy can also help strengthen your muscles and joints perform daily activities with reduced pain and discomfort.

]]><![CDATA[Bursitis & Manual Osteopathy]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.osteoworks.ca/blog/bursitis-manual-osteopathy

Comparison between a healthy and inflammed knee bursae

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs found around the joints that surround the areas where tendons, skin, and muscle tissues meet bones. They provide lubrication and help reduce friction between joints during movements. Overtime injuries and damage to the bursae cause inflammation and lead to bursitis. Bursitis causes discomfort and pain in the affected area and reduces the range of motion in our joints.

Manual Osteopathy can help provide relief pain caused by bursitis.

General symptoms of bursitis include swelling (inflammation), redness, and discomfort joint pain. There are four types of bursitis occurring in different parts of the body.

Patellar Bursitis: Occurring around the kneecap (patella), can range from acute to chronic. Repetitive injuries and excessive postural pressure can damage and tear the tendons of the knee, causing inflammation and pain during movement or prolonged standing and bending.
Olecranon Bursitis: Occurring around the tip of the elbow (olecranon), can occur from the pressure between hard surfaces on the point of the elbow and injuries. Irritation during elbow extension is observed and may restrict movements.
Trochanteric Bursitis: occurring in the bursae of the hips, a common addition to arthritis, and usually takes a longer time to develop. Improper posture and weak musculoskeletal conditions (i.e.arthritis) can place strain on hip joints leading to irritation of the hip bursae.
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis: Occurring around the ankle region, leading to pain and swelling in the heels. Initially acute and may become chronic if untreated. Prolonged repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and prolonged standing can inflame the bursae around the ankle. Strains from plantar fasciitis and compressed footwear are also leading factors.
Infectious Bursitis: Bursitis that occurs due to an infection from bacteria, typically around wounds, skin, and joint-infections. Symptoms of infected bursitis are similar to non-infectious bursitis, pain, and discomfort around affected areas.

Bursitis treatments involve pain medication, ice, and antibiotics to prevent the spread of infections. Corticosteroids are a great solution to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Manual Osteopathy is also an effective treatment option, along with lifestyle changes. Practicing good posture and regular exercise to strengthen muscles and joints will lower the risk of bursitis. Manual Osteopathic Techniques such as mobilizations and soft tissue release can increase blood flow in muscles and induce a higher range of motion. The increased movement can facilitate higher production of joint lubrication (synovial fluid) reduce the risk of irritating the bursae sacs. Hands-on manual therapy, proper exercise techniques, and anti-inflammatory medications are an effective combination for individual seeking relief.

]]><![CDATA[Scar Tissues & Manual Osteopathy]]>Wed, 12 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.osteoworks.ca/blog/scar-tissues-manual-osteopathy

Scar tissue is a common result of post surgery

Scar tissues are thick, fibrous tissues that take form over healthy ones after they have damaged. We all get them once in our lifetime; most heal faster than others. Tissue can be damaged and destroyed externally (cuts, burns, scrapes) and internally (post-surgery, musculoskeletal injuries). Scar tissue can reduce tissue function, causing irritation and pain. Exposed nerves can lead to excruciating pain during movement.

Scar tissues can often be painless, but you can observe it as a thick texture compared to the rest of the skin.

Symptoms of scar tissue pain include:

swelling
redness
itchiness
sensitivity to touch
reduced range of motion

Scar tissues from internal wounds, surgeries, or underlying diseases, have a late effect. You will feel pain and stiffness from scar tissues affecting areas around joints. The strain on connective tissues reduces the range of motion, causing discomfort in daily life activities. This adhesion reduces our healing rate; manual therapy is effective for breaking down scar tissues.

Manual Osteopathy utilizes myofascial release techniques to reduce inflammation and increase movement in the affected areas. A combination of passive and active techniques will help strengthen muscles and joints, and the force of the stretches can break down the adhesion. Manual Osteopathy also facilitates blood and nutrient flow providing nourishment for connective tissues to heal.

If you are suffering from an old existing injury and it is affecting your daily lifestyle, check out an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner to receive a fruitful treatment.

]]><![CDATA[Pelvic Tilt & Manual Osteopathy]]>Tue, 07 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.osteoworks.ca/blog/pelvic-tilt-manual-osteopathy

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among my patients. There are several reasons for back pain, in my previous posts: chronic pain & overuse injury I have gone over some common issues that cause lower back pain.

A pelvic tilt is usually hard to observe by ourselves. It can be pointed out by your manual therapist. Misaligned pelvis leads to postural problems and muscular imbalance, which affects our movement and range of motion.

Pelvic misalignment can cause inflammation and pain on load-bearing joints, which can signal nerves in the area to fire off pain signals, postural back pain caused by abnormal pelvic tilt. Pelvic tilt can cause chronic lower back pain, discomfort during walking or prolonged sitting and standing. Referral pain can be felt in the hip and down the legs; pain can become aggravated by weight-bearing activities.

There are three types of pelvic misalignment:

Anterior Tilt: The pelvis rotates forward, and the back rotates up, this impacts the spine and posture. Inactivity and prolonged sitting often cause this kind of tilt; excess sitting causes the hip flexors to tighten and change the position of the pelvis. Weak abdominal and hip muscles can cause imbalance leading to pelvic shift. A common issue during pregnancy, due to a change in physical activity and gait shift.

Posterior Tilt: Opposite of Anterior tilt, the pelvis rotates backward, and the front turns down. Similarly to anterior tilt, the posterior tilt affects spinal health and leads to imbalances. Tight hamstrings are one of the contributors to a posterior tilt. Runners and pro athletes training excessively often suffer from a posterior tilt.

Lateral Tilt: The pelvic crest can shift side to side, changing the hip placement and affecting movement. A lateral shift leads to muscle imbalances throughout the body and causes discomfort in the upper, mid, and low back.

Manual Osteopathy can help provide relief to individuals with pelvic tilt, and with effective treatment plans can correct pelvic placement. Manual therapy can help loosen tight hip flexors and increase the range of motion in the hip muscles. Manual Osteopathic Practitioners can perform various orthopedic tests to identify the type of tilt and the source of the problems. Adding a corrective exercise routine is complimentary to the therapy and will help to fix some of the issues.

]]><![CDATA[Why is Manual Osteopathy different?]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.osteoworks.ca/blog/why-is-manual-osteopathy-different

I have been practicing Manual Osteopathy for about six years & I love every aspect of it. The way we observe and notice the slight changes in our patients and clients, allow us to help treat a person as a whole rather than focusing on specific attributes. All manual osteopathic treatments aim to provide you optimal results using various modalities individual therapists find effective. There is a difference in our style of therapy derived from our educational background. My background is in sports & athletic-therapy; I enjoy focusing on musculoskeletal issues as my main scope of practice. I perform a wide array of treatments in other bodily cases as well.

I usually get asked to explain what is the difference between Osteopathy and other forms of therapy (massage, physiotherapy, and chiropractic). In today's blog, I will outline the differences between each discipline. Regardless of the contrast, a combination of various therapies is key to fruitful wellness.

Why is Manual Osteopathy different?

The following comparisons are generalizations and may not reflect the methods of the practitioner. When looking around to find a treatment that is suitable for you, keep in mind that all professionals are healthcare practitioners, their main goal is to promote good health. Each practitioner has a unique method and style they developed over time and deem effective. Different treatments work well for different people. Find one that works for you.

Manual Osteopathy and Massage Therapy:
Massage Therapy and Manual Osteopathy share similar principles: the importance of increasing blood and lymph circulation, and the connection between structure and function.

A Massage Therapist (RMT) tends to apply techniques on the body as a whole, aiming to achieve a systemic effect with some time spent on specific areas of restriction.
A Manual Osteopathic Practitioner tends to focus entirely on the areas of restriction and traces them along their lines of functionality.
Manual Osteopaths focus on the evaluation and motion tests to determine primary restrictions of the body. Osteopathy usually feels more movement-oriented than massage, since the goal is to increase movement in joints and muscle along with reducing tissue restrictions.

Manual Osteopathy and Chiropractic:
Chiropractic and Osteopathy share many core beliefs. The factors that set them apart is the way they utilize those teachings.
Chiropractors primarily focus on the spine, and the nervous system, comparatively Manual Osteopathic Practitioners focus on all the joints in the body, including skull sutures, as well as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, organs, and connective tissue.
Typical Chiropractic sessions are small (~20 minutes with a client), but some practitioners may offer longer sessions.
A Manual Osteopathy Therapy usually has 30 - 45-minute sessions, often up to an hour. A lengthier session allows us to discover and release the multi-faceted restrictions found in the body.

Manual Osteopathy and Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy and Osteopathy both use therapeutic exercises to strengthen body structure. Physiotherapists provide manual therapy for strength and conditioning, with heavy usage of resistance exercise.
Manual Osteopaths use manual therapy to release tissue and musculoskeletal restrictions to increase range of movement, aiding in strengthening.

Manual Osteopathy is helpful by itself self and combining it with other forms of therapy will enhance your journey to better health and lifestyle.

]]><![CDATA[Sedentary Lifestyle & Manual Osteopathy]]>Tue, 05 May 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.osteoworks.ca/blog/sedentary-lifestyle-manual-osteopathy

About a month ago we were all excited for spring and summer and couldn't wait to be in the great outdoors. The covid pandemic has put the nation in a state of lockdown and individuals are practicing social distancing. Most of us who remained active now lead a sedentary life, working from home is the new norm and with the closure of gyms and parks, we are not getting adequate exercise. Most businesses including paramedical services (physiotherapy, RMT, Manual osteopathy, etc) are closed to the public.

As we are practicing social distancing to flatten the curve we often fall into an unhealthy lifestyle pattern, some of us have even become full-time couch potatoes. Research has shown that inactivity often leads to detrimental health issues, a simple two-week inactive lifestyle can affect our physical well being. Prolonged periods of inactivity can also lead to weak muscle and joint function leading to strains, aches, and stiffness. Staying active is the key to mental and physical well being, the release of hormonal chemicals (e.g. endorphins) in the body can enhance our body and mood.

Most of my regular patients are suffering from chronic pain, postural imbalance, and weak musculoskeletal function. Weekly sessions are effective in helping them increase their range of motion. Manual osteopathic therapy is a great way to increase the circulation of blood, nutrients, and synovial fluids in the joints, muscles, tissues, tendons, and ligaments.

Being sedentary and lack of daily activity will place our bodies into a catatonic state. In this phase, we lose muscle strength and endurance caused by a decrease in muscle function. Bones may get weaker and lose mineral content, the immune system is weaker. The body may have more inflammation due to a decrease in blood circulation. Your metabolism may be affected and the body has a harder time breaking down sugars and fats.

Staying cooped up inside also affects our mental wellbeing, lack of communication and outdoor environment leads to a drop in neurochemicals production. Lack of certain chemicals may make us feel lethargic and depressed.

But following proper safety protocol is important and even though we are bound between our four walls, there are various ways of staying active. Performing indoor mental and physical exercise is a great way to stay active and avoid placing the body in a catatonic state.

Once everything slowly returns to the new normal, I recommend booking an appointment with a fellow paramedical practitioner. Manual osteopathy is a great solution to tune up and boost body functions, before starting up your regular schedule let me help you feel limber and refreshed so you can tackle the world once again.

]]>