Are Osteopathic manual therapists trained as doctors/physicians or DO’s?

No. Although I have completed a masters degree in anatomy, physiology and related fields. I do not have training as a physician. Osteopathic manual therapists do not prescribe, diagnose, or refer patients. We offer hands-on soft tissue bodywork, exercise and movement programs, and lifestyle advice to get you back to doing what you love. We practice in the US under the governing laws of senate bill 577.

Do you take insurance or offer a sliding scale?

No, unfortunately, we cannot take insurance. We want everyone to be able to experience the benefits of of osteopathy however, and do offer a sliding scale for those who need it. Please contact us directly with your situation and we can discuss.

How many appointments will I need?

This depends. Many manual osteopaths will be able to successfully treat a recent or acute injury within just one to three sessions. However, older problems or chronic pain is likely to take a little longer to improve and could see a client completing up to six or more sessions before receiving the full benefits of the treatment. Often when a problem is resolved, a patient will book in for occasional maintenance treatments to help keep them pain and problem free and all osteopaths recommend various strengthening exercises in conjunction with any treatment plan to improve core muscles and aid recovery and healing.

Periodic treatment can help to optimise ongoing recovery and protect what has been achieved through initial treatment as well as stop new problems from occurring but not every patient takes this approach and some will wait until the pain returns before making a return visit.

Research has shown that patients who commit themselves to rehabilitation exercises in addition to an osteopathic treatment plan experience a much quicker recovery than those who do not.

One person’s back pain might be resolved more speedily than another person suffering the same problem as healing depends on a host of factors including age and general health and wellbeing. However, most patients experience noticeable improvements after two to three sessions and many after just their first introduction to osteopathy.

What should I wear?

Our main priority is that you feel comfortable. Wear a loose shirt or T/shirt, loose pants or shorts, or bring loose clothes with you to change into at the appointment. During the examination and treatment, you can be asked to remove certain clothing, usually down to your short/pants and bra. A bra that unclips at the back, instead of a sport bra is better. We have privacy gowns to make sure you feel comfortable as well.

For example: If we are working on your neck, we may ask for you to take your t-shirt off to check areas of your upper back and neck.

If we are working on your low back, we may work on your glut muscles (upper bottom), we can do this either with your clothes on or we can adjust your pants to show your upper bottom.

We have towels to place on you to drape you appropriately and ensure you are comfortable at all times. But, remember if you would like to stay in your clothing that is ok too. This depends a little on the main areas you are experiencing pain or discomfort. I do a lot of soft tissue massage work so being able to work directly on the skin is important.

Where do I park?

There is ample parking outside the Sebastopol Medical Center, including ADA parking and accessibility.

Enter through the green door off the parking lot and make your way down the hall. Take the left turn and our shared waiting room is on the right.

Do you perform spinal manipulation or joint cracking?

No. I cannot legally perform these techniques in the US. I have been trained in these techniques and have ample experience using them in Australia although have tended to use them very sparingly anyway. It is my experience that these techniques are not suitable for everyone and do not provide a magic bullet in terms of recovery. I use many different hands-on osteopathic techniques to help aid your recovery and do not feel limited in excluding joint manipulations.