What is Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Osteopathic Manual Therapy is a very gentle hands-on treatment that follows a set of principles governing the interrelationship between the body’s structure and its ability to properly function. Intrinsically, osteopathy is grounded in anatomical science and its connection to the body’s innate ability to self-heal and self-regulate.
In the 1870’s Dr. A.T. Still, the “discoverer” of Osteopathy, introduced his findings and methods of treatment to the public. He spoke of and taught Osteopathy as a science, a philosophy, and a practice with unwavering focus on viewing and approaching the body as a whole no matter the condition presented. Since then, osteopathic care has rapidly grown in popularity due to its continued success with patients of all ages, walks of life, backgrounds, and varying health concerns.
Through working with the body as a whole, applying gentle, non-invasive manipulation, osteopathic care can help encourage healing and assist the body in returning to optimal health.
OUR OSTEOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS
Tanya Rouble, B.Sc., M.OMSc.
Osteopathic Practitioner, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Pediatric Wellness
Tanya’s path toward Osteopathy began with a deep interest in the biological sciences at a very early age. She graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from McMaster University and, after a few years in a pharmaceutical laboratory, moved into the Health and Fitness Industry. During this time, she became a self-employed business-owner and founder of Pilates Essentials Plus, a Pilates studio focussed on the therapeutic and rehabilitative qualities of proper, guided movement. With each person entering the studio looking for ‘something more’, all with the same story of ‘nothing seems to work’; Tanya’s desire for a deeper understanding of the human body and its innate ability to heal itself became a daily quest through personal research and study.
In early 2015, after attending a Visit Day at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton, Tanya immediately applied for entry into the programme knowing without a doubt that Osteopathy was the missing link for her clients (soon to be patients!). She began studies with the CAO in October of the same year and graduated at the top of her class in the fall of 2019.
Tanya has been in full-time practice since late 2017 and opened Ridgeway Osteopathy in January 2019. Since then she has furthered her studies to include specialty in Cranial Sacral Therapy, studying under Robert Harris of The Cranial Therapy Centre in Toronto, as well as Energy Medicine, studying with mentors from Ottawa, Ontario and Sussex, New Brunswick.
Most recently, Tanya has specialized in pediatric osteopathy and is dedicated to continue learning and improving in this much needed field. She works closely with pediatric dentists, physiotherapists and lactation consultants to provide the best care for our little ones.
Dan Bellinaso, B.Sc., M.OMSc.
Osteopathic Practitioner, Cranial Sacral Therapy
Dan grew up in a medical family and always had a fascination for the human body that developed through his love for sports and resistance training. He attended Brock University and graduated with a degree in Medical Sciences. Upon completion of his undergrad, he came across the field of osteopathy in his hometown of Fonthill and found it so fascinating how this manual therapy discipline focuses on the root cause of the problem rather than chasing the symptoms of the patient. From there, he attended the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton, Ontario, and four short years later, he received his Masters of Practice in Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences.
Christina Gravelle, B.Sc., M.OMSc.
Osteopathic Practitioner
Christina’s path towards Osteopathy began with an interest in the human body when she began playing competitive sports at a young age. This led to her obtaining an athletic scholarship to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She graduated with honors with a degree in Physical and Health Education.
Back in Canada, Christina attended a post graduate degree in Exercise Science and Physiology. This further education eventually opened the path into self-employment as a business owner in the Personal Training and Active Rehabilitation field. While her business was multi-faceted, catering to a broad range of clientele, her special interest always remained with strengthening daily life movement patterns to ensure injury prevention management.
Specializing in clientele dealing with injuries eventually led Christina to seek a more in depth understanding of the human body through the field of Osteopathy. After an intensive 4-year program, she proudly graduated from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton, Ontario.
Osteopathy has allowed Christina to understand the body in a new, integrative way. She is dedicated to assisting patients in their quest to a better quality of life, as well as good health, by using her years of knowledge and experience with the human body.
Kiara Kells, B.Sc., M.OMSc.
Osteopathic Practitioner
Kiara’s passion for health and helping others inspired her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science at Brock University in 2016. During her final year, she began exploring various career paths and discovered Osteopathy. She was drawn to the osteopathic philosophy of viewing the body as an interconnected unit, focusing on underlying causes rather than simply treating areas of pain. This led her to enroll in the four-year M.OMSc. program at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO).
Kiara is dedicated to enhancing her patients posture, mobility, and overall wellness. Osteopathy has equipped her with a unique perspective on anatomy, allowing her to understand how structural imbalances can impact the function of nerves, arteries, veins, and lymphatics. Having experienced sports injuries herself, Kiara brings personal insight into helping her patients navigate their own healing journeys. Since graduating from the CAO, Kiara has completed specialized training in pregnancy and postnatal recovery. She continues to expand her expertise to better support her patients.