If you’re living with joint stiffness, muscle tension, or limited mobility, manual osteopathy may help you move and feel better. This gentle, hands-on therapy focuses on restoring balance throughout the body and is now available at both Stride Red Deer and Stride Blackfalds locations. Our team provides a supportive environment and individualized care that supports long-term comfort and mobility goals.
What Is Manual Osteopathy at Stride Red Deer?
Manual osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach that views the body as a unified system. Rather than focusing on the area of pain, your osteopath assesses how your bones, joints, and soft tissues interact to influence your overall mobility and comfort.
Watch our short video, What Is Manual Osteopathy, to learn how this approach helps restore alignment and balance.
During treatment, your manual osteopath will use techniques such as joint mobilization, fascial release, and visceral manipulation, designed to support circulation, balance, and the body’s natural recovery processes.
Manual osteopathy at Stride often integrates several complementary methods to achieve lasting results, including:
• Osteoarticular techniques to restore healthy joint movement
• Myofascial release to reduce tension in connective tissues
• Craniosacral therapy to support nervous system balance
• Visceral manipulation to improve organ mobility and function
Manual Osteopathy vs Physiotherapy: Understanding the Difference
Both manual osteopathy and physiotherapy at Stride Red Deer aim to relieve pain and improve movement, but they do so in different ways. Learn more in our video: How Is Manual Osteopathy Different from Physiotherapy?
Manual Osteopathy:
• Focuses on restoring alignment and body balance
• Uses gentle, whole-body techniques
• Addresses restrictions in joints, muscles, and fascia
• Emphasizes the body’s natural self-healing ability
Physiotherapy
• Focuses on injury recovery and functional movement
• Uses targeted exercises and manual therapy
• Strengthens specific areas and restores function
• Uses structured rehab plans and mobility training
• Uses tools such as needling or shockwave
Manual osteopathy and physiotherapy often work hand in hand. Many clients choose to combine both approaches as part of a broader wellness or rehabilitation plan (Kotroo, n.d.).
What to Expect During a Manual Osteopathy Appointment at Stride Red Deer
If it’s your first manual osteopathy session at Stride Red Deer, your practitioner will begin with a complete assessment of your posture, movement, and areas of tension.
See what the experience looks like in our behind-the-scenes video, What Does an Average Osteopathy Appointment Look Like?
A typical session may include:
• Gentle joint and muscle mobilization
• Soft tissue and fascial release
• Rhythmic stretching or traction techniques
• Postural and mobility education
Manual osteopathy is a non-invasive and typically very relaxing treatment. Many clients report feeling more relaxed or comfortable after a session, with improvements that may develop over time.
Why Choose Stride Physiotherapy for Manual Osteopathy at Stride Red Deer
Manual osteopathy is an integral part of a comprehensive whole-body wellness approach. Our team provides personalized care in a professional, supportive environment, helping you move better and feel your best.
Whether you’re managing chronic discomfort or simply seeking to improve balance and alignment, Stride Red Deer offers evidence-informed osteopathic care that’s tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Conditions Can Manual Osteopathy Help With?
Manual osteopathy can support many conditions, including back and neck pain, joint stiffness, headaches, muscle tension, and postural imbalances (Licciardone, Brimhall & King, 2005).
Is Manual Osteopathy the Same as Massage Therapy?
No. Massage therapy focuses on muscle tension, while manual osteopathy addresses how your joints, muscles, and connective tissues work together to support balance and function.
Do I Need a Referral for Manual Osteopathy?
No, you can book directly with one of our manual osteopathic practitioners.
Do Extended Health Benefits cover Manual Osteopathy?
Coverage often depends on your insurance provider. Many extended health plans include manual osteopathy services, so it’s worth checking with your provider.
Can Manual Osteopathy be Combined with Physiotherapy or Chiropractic Care?
Absolutely, many patients benefit from a combined care plan for faster and more complete results.
Book Your Manual Osteopathy Appointment at Stride Red Deer
Ready to support your movement and balance? Book your manual osteopathy appointment today.
Book at Stride Red Deer
Book at Stride Blackfalds
References
Kotroo, S. (n.d.). The Comparison between Physiotherapy and Manual Osteopathy. What do they have in common? What is the difference? National Academy of Osteopathy. https://nationalacademyofosteopathy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/The-Comparison-between-Physiotherapy-and-Manual-Osteopathy-SabineKotroon-C140953.pdf
Licciardone, J. C., Brimhall, A. K., & King, L. N. (August 4, 2005). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 6(43). https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2474-6-43
