Osteopathy is a holistic, hands-on approach to healthcare that focuses on the body’s innate ability to heal itself. At Altitude Collaborative Health, our osteopath in Calgary uses manual techniques to restore balance, improve mobility, and relieve pain throughout the entire body—not just the area where you feel symptoms.
Rather than treating isolated complaints, osteopathic treatment considers how your muscles, joints, nerves, and organs work together as an integrated system.
Your osteopath examines not just the painful area but your entire body—posture, movement patterns, breathing, and tissue quality. Often, the source of pain is distant from where you feel it. A restriction in your hip may cause back pain; tension in your diaphragm may contribute to neck stiffness.
Osteopathic treatment uses a variety of hands-on techniques tailored to your needs:
The goal of osteopathic treatment is to restore proper alignment, mobility, and circulation so your body can heal itself more effectively. Many patients experience relief not just from their primary complaint but from related issues they'd accepted as normal.
Musculoskeletal Pain
Head & Nervous System
Digestive & Respiratory
Stress & General Wellness
Initial appointments typically take 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 30-45 minutes.
1
Health History
We discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals
2
Physical Assessment
Hands-on evaluation of posture, mobility, and tissue quality throughout your body
3
Findings Discussion
Your osteopath explains what they found and how it relates to your symptoms
4
Treatment
Gentle manual therapy tailored to your needs and comfort level
5
Recommendations
Guidance on exercises, stretches, or lifestyle modifications to support your progress
Matthew Somers
Matthew Somers provides osteopathic treatment at Altitude Collaborative Health. His patient-centered approach focuses on understanding your unique presentation and tailoring treatment to your specific needs. As part of our multidisciplinary team, Matthew can coordinate care with physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other practitioners when beneficial.
Both use manual therapy, but osteopathy typically takes a broader whole-body approach, often including soft tissue work, visceral techniques, and cranial therapy. Chiropractic traditionally focuses more on spinal alignment and adjustments. Many conditions benefit from either approach—or both.
Osteopathy uses gentle techniques and should not be painful. You may feel some discomfort when tender areas are treated, but your osteopath will work within your comfort level. Many patients find treatment deeply relaxing.
This depends on your condition and how long it’s been present. Acute issues may resolve in 2-4 sessions. Chronic conditions often require longer treatment. Your osteopath will give you an estimate after your initial assessment.
Yes. While osteopathy doesn’t treat mental health conditions directly, it can address the physical manifestations of stress—muscle tension, shallow breathing, headaches, and digestive issues. Many patients report feeling calmer and sleeping better after treatment.
No referral is needed. You can book directly with our osteopath. Check with your insurance provider about coverage for osteopathic treatment.
Ready for a whole-body approach to healing? Book your appointment with our Calgary osteopath today.
