Young Osteopath Sets Up In Sydenham
“While completing her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Queen’s University, Reagan Asselstine also completed a Master’s Program in Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences through the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. She is now bringing her skills back to her hometown of Sydenham, where she is practicing out of RehabWell Physiotherapy.”
While pursuing her education, Reagan became a yoga instructor, and she has been teaching yoga and strength-based fitness for several years, and continues to do so, in addition to setting up her osteopath practice.
“Her interest in fitness and recreation began early, during her time at Sydenham High School, where she was involved in various school sports teams”
She said that she was drawn to Osteopathy, because she “likes the idea of chasing a cause rather than chasing an injury.
In an article that she wrote about Osteopathy – which is excerpted below, she talks about a focus on the entire way different parts of her patients' bodies work together, and on therapeutic movement.
She is pleased to be starting a practice at Rehabwell, where she will be available for appointments starting in the second week of September, and is planning to continue to teach yoga and fitness as well.
Excerpt from
“Understanding Osteopathy: A Whole-Body Approach to Health and Movement,”
“Osteopathy is a hands-on form of manual therapy based on the understanding that the body functions as an interconnected whole. Rather than looking only at where pain or discomfort is
felt, osteopathic care considers how different parts of the body work together and how restrictions in one area may influence function elsewhere.
Classical osteopathy is guided by the principle that structure and function are closely connected.
Healthy movement and structural balance allow the body's systems to work together efficiently. This includes the musculoskeletal system, as well as the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.
During an osteopathic assessment, an osteopathic manual practitioner uses their hands to assess movement, asymmetry, and areas of restriction throughout the body. Treatment is generally gentle and individualised. Techniques may involve moving tissues and joints, working with muscles and connective tissue, or using the patient's breathing and small movements to help restore healthy motion.
Why does movement matter so much?
Movement plays an important role in maintaining healthy circulation and tissue function. Every
muscle, joint, organ, and connective tissue relies on a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients.
While circulatory and lymphatic systems help carry away metabolic waste and excess fluid.
People seek osteopathic care for many different reasons, including back and neck discomfort,headaches, joint stiffness, reduced mobility, plantar fasciitis, disc-related concerns, persistent
pain, and digestive discomfort. Osteopathy can also be used as part of general health and mobility maintenance, even when someone is not experiencing a specific injury or condition.
For those who are curious about whether osteopathy may be appropriate for them, the first step is a conversation. Understanding what a treatment involves and asking questions can help people make informed decisions about their healthcare.”
Reagan Asslestine can be reached through Rehabwell or through the contact page on her website, groundedosteopathy.com. She encourages people to contact her for a free phone consultation, which can be followed by a 40-minute initial assessment ($130). Treatments last about 20 minutes ($90) and are designed to evolve over time.
