Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopathy is a holistic manual therapy that focuses on restoring balance and alignment to the body. It involves gentle, hands-on techniques that aims to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, considering the interconnectedness of different body systems.

Osteopathy is safe and suitable for people of all ages, from infants to older adults. Our practitioners will conduct a thorough osteopathic assessment and are interested in understanding your health history. If you have any underlying health concerns or medical conditions, it's essential to inform our team during your consultation. The practitioner will create a treatment plan for that day, if there is any contraindications for strategies/techniques they will take this into consideration. As well, if they think that something they observe is needing further medical attention they will direct you to your medical physician.

The duration of our sessions are generally 45-60 minutes long depending on the practitioner.

The number of sessions required will depend on your individual needs and the nature of your condition. Some clients may experience significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing care for more chronic or complex conditions. Our practitioners will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and discuss the expected timeline.

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for ease of movement. It's important to wear clothing that allows our practitioners to access and assess different areas of your body. We may ask you to perform certain movements during your session, so wearing flexible clothing is beneficial.
Please no spandex tights or leggings, it is preferential to bring shorts and women please no underwire bras.

Osteopathic techniques are generally gentle and non-invasive. While some individuals may experience minor discomfort or sensations during treatment, it should not be painful. Our practitioners prioritize your comfort and will communicate with you throughout the session to ensure your needs are met.

No, you do not need a referral from a doctor to book an appointment at Fairview Osteopathy. We welcome self-referrals and are happy to work with you directly to address your health concerns.

However, if you are a Veterans Affairs Canada patient you can be reimbursed through Medavie BlueCross but will need a doctor’s referral for osteopathic treatment. Please email if you have questions about this, it is a new development in our relationship with Veterans Affair Canada.

ICBC patients, also may need a doctor’s referral to have some coverage for your osteopathic care, but no referral is needed to book or to receive treatment.

Many extended insurance plans cover osteopathic treatments. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your coverage prior to your appointment. You can also verify if your provider is listed on OsteopathyBC’s website.

Movement & awareness education, such as the Feldenkrais® Method, is a practice that focuses on improving body awareness and movement patterns. Through gentle and precise movements, clients learn to move with more ease and efficiency, reducing strain and tension in the body. Movement & awareness education can enhance physical performance, relieve pain, improve balance/vestibular system, and improve overall functioning.

Booking an appointment is quick and easy. You can book online through our website by visiting the individual profiles of our practitioners and selecting a time slot that works for you. Alternatively, you can call us at 778-728-1500 to speak directly with our team and schedule an appointment.

We hope these FAQs have been helpful. If you have any further inquiries or would like more information about our services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to support you on your wellness journey.