Osteopathic Manuel Therapy
Osteopathic Manual Therapy in Burnaby – Broadgreen Acupuncture Center
Osteopathic Manual Therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that focuses on improving the mobility and function of the muscles, joints, spine, and connective tissues. Treatment may help relieve neck pain, back pain, muscle tension, sports injuries, postural imbalance, and movement restrictions.
Our Osteopathic Manual Practitioner uses individualized assessment and manual techniques to help reduce pain, restore mobility, and support overall recovery and wellness.
Extended healthcare coverage is accepted by most insurance providers. Direct billing may be available depending on your plan.
(*Currently not covered by Sun Life and Pacific Blue Cross.*)
Core Philosophy
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Osteopath: Takes a holistic approach, viewing the body as a single unit where all systems (muscles, bones, nerves, and circulation) are interconnected. The goal is to improve the body’s overall health by treating the “whole person” rather than just the symptoms.
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Chiropractor: Primarily focuses on the nervous system and spinal alignment. The belief is that misalignments in the spine (subluxations) interfere with the nervous system, and correcting these through adjustments restores health.
Treatment Techniques
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Osteopathic Manual Therapy:
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Utilizes slow joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques.
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Includes myofascial release, stretching, and rhythmic movements to improve circulation and muscle function.
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Focuses on the long-term functional recovery and biomechanics of the entire body, including the spine, joints, and soft tissues.
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Chiropractic Care:
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Primarily utilizes spinal manipulation and high-velocity adjustments.
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Focuses on specific “cracking” or “popping” movements to realign vertebrae.
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The goal is often immediate pain relief by restoring nerve impulse flow.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Osteopath | Chiropractor |
| Primary Focus | Whole-body circulation and muscle function | Spinal alignment and nerve impulses |
| Methods | Mobilization, soft tissue, myofascial release | High-velocity spinal adjustments |
| Target | Spine, joints, and soft tissues | Primarily the spine and neck |
| Outcome Goal | Long-term functional rehabilitation | Rapid relief of acute pain |
Clinical Focus for Dr. Mostafa Zare Mehrjerdi
As a Manual Osteopathic Practitioner with a background in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Mostafa specializes in:
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Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment: Identifying “red flags” and complex case assessments.
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Spinal & Postural Biomechanics: Analyzing how the spine affects overall movement.
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Condition-Specific Treatment: Specializing in chronic neck and low back pain, as well as shoulder, hip, and knee dysfunction.
What is Osteopath Manual Therapy?
Osteopathic therapy, also called **osteopathic manual therapy**, is a hands-on treatment approach that focuses on improving the function and mobility of the body’s muscles, joints, spine, and connective tissues.
An osteopathic manual practitioner uses gentle manual techniques such as:
* Joint mobilization
* Soft tissue release
* Stretching
* Muscle energy techniques
* Postural assessment
* Movement correction
The goal is to help reduce pain, improve mobility, support recovery, and restore overall body function.
People commonly seek osteopathic therapy for:
* Neck and back pain
* Shoulder or joint pain
* Sports injuries
* Muscle tension
* Postural problems
* Headaches related to muscle tension
* Mobility or movement restrictions
Osteopathic therapy looks at how different parts of the body work together. Treatment often considers posture, movement patterns, lifestyle, and the relationship between muscles, joints, nerves, and circulation.
In British Columbia, osteopathic manual practitioners are generally non-physician manual therapists unless they are also licensed medical doctors. Coverage for treatment may be available through extended health insurance plans depending on the practitioner’s professional association and your benefits plan.
Benefits of osteopathic manual practice
Holistic Recovery: Addresses the whole body as an interconnected unit rather than treating isolated symptoms.
Pain Reduction: Specifically effective for chronic neck pain, low back pain, and joint-related discomfort.
Patient-Centered: Emphasizes education and long-term injury prevention.
Restored Mobility: Focuses on improving range of motion through slow joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques.
Functional Rehabilitation: Supports long-term recovery and the ability to return safely to daily activities, work, and sports.
Insurance Eligible: Services provided by registered members (such as BCAOMP) are often eligible under extended health benefits.
"Restore your body's natural balance and movement through expert osteopathic manual therapy, led by a practitioner with over a decade of advanced orthopedic clinical experience."
Who should do osteopathic manual therapy?
Osteopathic manual therapy is a versatile treatment approach suitable for a wide range of individuals, particularly those seeking a non-invasive, hands-on solution for musculoskeletal issues. Given its focus on the body as a whole, it is an excellent option for patients who value a holistic and patient-centered approach to recovery.
Individuals with Chronic Pain or Mobility Issues
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Back and Neck Sufferers: Those dealing with chronic low back pain, neck pain, or disc-related conditions.
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Joint Dysfunction Patients: Individuals experiencing issues with their shoulders, hips, or knees.
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People with Limited Range of Motion: Those looking to restore mobility through joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques.
Athletes and Active Individuals
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Sports Injury Recovery: Patients looking for functional rehabilitation to return safely to sports.
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Performance Optimization: Individuals who want a biomechanical analysis of their posture and movement to prevent future injuries.
Surgical and Post-Op Patients
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Conservative Care Seekers: Individuals with musculoskeletal conditions who prefer an alternative to surgery when appropriate.
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Post-Surgical Support: Patients who have undergone orthopedic procedures and need expert-led manual therapy to support long-term recovery.
Workers and Professionals
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Postural Strain Sufferers: Office workers or manual laborers experiencing pain due to repetitive tasks or poor postural biomechanics.
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Injured Workers: Individuals needing a structured return-to-work plan and home care strategies to manage their recovery.
Why Choose This Therapy?
If you are looking for a practitioner who understands complex clinical cases, osteopathic manual therapy is particularly effective when led by someone with a deep medical background. For instance, Dr. Mostafa Zare Mehrjerdi utilizes his 10+ years of orthopedic clinical experience and Doctor of Medicine (MD) background to provide advanced assessments and identify “red flags” that ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.
Why Choose Osteopath Manual Therapy at Broadgreen Acupuncture Center?
Choosing osteopathic manual therapy at Broadgreen Acupuncture Center offers a unique clinical advantage due to the specialized expertise of our team and our collaborative approach to health.
Expertise Led by Medical Experience
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Deep Clinical Knowledge: Our practitioner, Dr. Mostafa Zare Mehrjerdi, is an internationally trained physician and former orthopedic surgeon with over 10 years of surgical experience and thousands of procedures performed.
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Advanced Diagnostics: This medical background allows for an unparalleled understanding of spinal biomechanics, joint dysfunction, and nerve-related pain.
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Safety First: We excel in advanced musculoskeletal assessment and the identification of “red flags” to ensure your care is both safe and appropriate.
Comprehensive & Integrated Care
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Multidisciplinary Environment: We operate within a collaborative clinic in British Columbia, allowing for a seamless integration of therapies.
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Holistic Manual Techniques: We utilize a variety of hands-on methods including myofascial release, joint mobilization, and soft tissue techniques to improve circulation and function.
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Individualized Planning: Every patient receives a customized rehabilitation plan focused on long-term recovery and injury prevention, specifically for conditions like chronic neck, back, and joint pain.
🧪 Certified Excellence: Full member of the BC Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (BCAOMP).
🌱 Safety Requirements: High safety standards, including Occupational First Aid Level 3 (OFA3) certification.
✅ Insurance Ready: Services provided are eligible under most extended health benefits in British Columbia.
🧘 Experience former orthopedic surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a hands-on, patient-centered therapy focused on the relationship between the body’s structure and its function. It emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself by improving circulation and mobility through the treatment of the “whole person”.
While both address pain, osteopaths take a more holistic approach, utilizing slow joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques (like myofascial release) to improve circulation. Chiropractors generally focus on the nervous system and spinal alignment through high-velocity adjustments.
Commonly treated conditions include chronic neck and low back pain, spinal conditions, joint dysfunction (shoulder, hip, and knee), and disc-related issues. It is also effective for sports injuries and postural biomechanical issues.
The first visit includes an advanced musculoskeletal assessment and differential diagnosis. This is followed by a postural biomechanical analysis and the creation of an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Osteopathic techniques generally focus on gentle mobilization and stretching. While some areas may feel tender during treatment, the goal is to reduce pain and restore mobility in a comfortable manner.
Dr. Mostafa Zare Mehrjerdi is an internationally trained physician and former orthopedic surgeon with over 10 years of clinical experience. He holds a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice and is a full member of the BC Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (BCAOMP).
Yes. Because our practitioner is a registered member of the BCAOMP, services are typically eligible under most extended health benefit plans in British Columbia. (Except Sunlife and Pacific Blue Cross)
Our clinic provides a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where you benefit from a practitioner with a deep medical understanding of spinal pathology and joint biomechanics. We focus on long-term functional recovery and patient education.
Book Your Orthopedic Manual Therapy Appointment in Burnaby Today
Ready to restore strength and mobility with natural, therapeutic care? Let our TCM orthopedic massage specialists support your recovery and long-term wellness.
📞 Call us at 604-430-8185
📍 Visit us: Unit B – 5679 Imperial St, Burnaby, BC
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We Serve the Following Citiesrnaby
At Broadgreen Acupuncture Center, we’re proud to support the health and well-being of clients throughout the Greater Vancouver area.
Whether you’re nearby or just a short drive away, our clinic welcomes you with personalized, professional acupuncture treatments designed to help you feel your best.