1
Start with what’s bothering you
Ghassan will ask what hurts, when it started, what you’ve already tried, relevant health history, and what you want to get back to doing.
What is osteopathy?
A hands-on approach to understanding what may be getting in the way of comfortable movement.
Osteopathy looks at how your joints, muscles, fascia, and movement work together, rather than focusing only on the place that hurts.
If your shoulder hurts, for example, the shoulder may be part of the problem, but it may not tell the whole story. How your neck, upper back, posture, or movement have adapted can also matter.
Ghassan assesses how your body is moving, identifies areas that may be contributing to pain or restriction, and uses hands-on treatment to help improve movement and reduce discomfort.
Ghassan is a Manual Osteopath (DOMP) in Ontario. He does not prescribe medication or perform surgery, and will refer you when something falls outside the scope of osteopathic care.
Why people come in
People often see Ghassan when pain, stiffness, or restricted movement is getting in the way of everyday life.
Osteopathic treatment may help with:
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle tension
- Posture and desk-related strain
- Headaches associated with neck and muscle tension
- Sports and activity-related injuries
- Recovery after physical strain or injury
- TMJ and jaw-related concerns
Sometimes the problem is recent. Sometimes it has been there for years. The first step is understanding what’s happening and how it’s affecting the way you move.
What happens at a visit
2
See how you move
He’ll look at your posture, movement, and the areas that may be connected to what you’re experiencing.
3
Understand what he finds
Ghassan will explain what he notices and what he recommends before treatment begins.
4
Hands-on treatment
Treatment is adapted to what he finds and may include different hands-on techniques. You can always speak up or ask to stop if something feels uncomfortable.
5
Know what comes next
Before you leave, Ghassan may suggest simple things to do over the next day or two and explain whether another visit makes sense.
What should I wear? Shorts and a T-shirt or comfortable clothing that allows you to move are best.
What treatment can include
There isn’t one standard osteopathy session.
Depending on what Ghassan finds, treatment may include joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, soft-tissue and myofascial work, stretching, and other hands-on approaches.
He may also incorporate Fascial Stretch Therapy or Graston Technique when they are appropriate.
You don’t need to choose a technique before your visit. Treatment is based on what Ghassan finds during your assessment.
What does DOMP mean?
DOMP stands for Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice.
In Ontario, Ghassan practices as a Manual Osteopath. His work focuses on hands-on assessment and treatment of movement and musculoskeletal concerns.
This is different from a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) in the United States, who is a licensed physician.
As a Manual Osteopath, Ghassan does not prescribe medication or perform surgery.
“I started seeing Ghassan for chronic pain, headaches, and shoulder and back pain. Since then the pain has significantly reduced. I have been to physio and chiro without the same results.”