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Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to some of the frequently asked questions. This osteopathy FAQ covers everything you need to know before your first visit to Best Osteopathy. If you can’t find your answer here, call us at (604) 445-1456 or reach out through our contact page.

Osteopathy FAQ: General Questions

What treatments does Best Osteopathy offer?
We offer manual osteopathy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, naprapathy, wellness osteopathy, and pediatric osteopathy across all four of our Metro Vancouver locations. Acupuncture and BioFlex Cold Laser Therapy are available exclusively at our Brentwood Burnaby location.

What’s the difference between osteopathy and chiropractic or physiotherapy?
Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, using gentle, hands-on techniques to address the root cause of pain rather than just the affected area. Unlike chiropractic care, osteopathy does not typically use high-velocity joint thrusts.

Does osteopathy treatment hurt?
Osteopathic treatment is generally gentle and should not be painful, though you may feel some mild discomfort if the treated area is particularly tense or sore. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal. If anything feels painful during your session, tell your practitioner right away so they can adjust their approach.

Is osteopathy safe for babies, pregnant people, and older adults?
Yes, manual osteopathy is gentle and adaptable for all ages and life stages, from infants to seniors.

Booking & Insurance

Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online at any of our four locations or call us at (604) 445-1456.

Is osteopathy covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your extended health plan. We do not currently offer direct billing, but we provide a receipt after each session that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. We recommend checking with your provider ahead of time to confirm your specific osteopathy coverage.

How do I book an appointment at each location?
Each of our four locations has its own booking link:

Pricing

Is there a free consultation available?
Yes. All three of our practitioners offer a complementary 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions and find out whether osteopathy is right for you before committing to a full session.

How much does an osteopathy session cost?
Pricing depends on session length, treatment type, and practitioner. Here is a general breakdown, all prices plus tax:

  • Complementary Consultation (15 min): Free
  • Quick Treatment Session (30 min): $105
  • Brief Treatment Session (45 min): $125 to $135
  • Pediatric Session, ages newborn to 16 (40 min): $95 to $105
  • Osteopathy Assessment and Treatment (60 min): $150 to $160
  • Cranial Osteopathy (45 to 75 min): $120 to $200
  • Extended Treatment Session (90 min): $210 to $220

Do prices vary by practitioner or location?
Yes, slightly. Mehrbod Atshani sees patients at all four locations. Negin Derakhshan practises at Downtown Vancouver and Brentwood Burnaby. Kitae Kim practises exclusively at Brentwood Burnaby. Each practitioner’s pricing differs slightly by a few dollars depending on session type. Please note that some of Kitae’s services are not covered under Canada Life extended health plans, so it’s worth checking your specific coverage before booking.

How much does BioFlex Cold Laser Therapy cost?
BioFlex Cold Laser Therapy is combined with an osteopathy session at our Brentwood Burnaby location. An initial 60-minute session combining assessment, osteopathy, and laser treatment ranges from $150 to $160 plus tax, depending on practitioner. Subsequent 60-minute sessions range from $130 to $140 plus tax.

How much does acupuncture cost?
Acupuncture is offered exclusively at our Brentwood Burnaby location by Kitae Kim. An initial 50-minute assessment and treatment is $130 plus tax. Follow-up 40-minute sessions are $110 plus tax. A combined 60-minute acupuncture, acupressure, and Tuina massage session is $150 plus tax.

Locations & Practitioners

Which practitioners work at which locations?
Mehrbod Atshani, our founder, sees patients at our Downtown Vancouver, New Westminster, and Richmond clinics. Negin Derakhshan practises at our Downtown Vancouver and Brentwood Burnaby locations. Kitae Kim, our registered acupuncturist, practises exclusively at Brentwood Burnaby.

Where are your four clinics located?

  • Downtown Vancouver: Unit 17, 410 – 658 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R4 (inside The Post)
  • New Westminster: Unit 102, 661 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A8
  • Brentwood Burnaby: Unit 102, 3105 – 1920 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC V5C 0K3 (inside Amazing Brentwood Mall)
  • Richmond: Unit 1, 3891 Chatham St, Richmond, BC V7E 2Z5 (inside Momentum Wellness Centre, Steveston Village)

Are all of your practitioners registered and credentialed?
Yes. All Best Osteopathy practitioners are registered members of the College of Registered Manual Osteopaths (CRMO). Our founder is an internationally trained medical doctor with a background in emergency medicine, and our team includes practitioners with additional certifications in laser therapy and acupuncture.

Your First Visit & What to Expect

What happens during my first appointment?
Your first visit includes a thorough discussion of your health history, a physical assessment, and typically begins treatment in the same session. Your practitioner will discuss a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

What should I wear for my session?
Comfortable clothing that allows for movement is best, such as shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, or yoga pants, since your practitioner may need to assess the affected area with your consent.

How many sessions are typically needed?
This depends on the severity of your condition and your treatment goals, which we will discuss at your first session. The number of sessions varies widely by individual, and for general wellness purposes, frequency can be tailored to your needs.

Is there anything I should bring with me?
If you have relevant medical documentation, such as imaging reports or notes from another healthcare provider, feel free to bring them along. This can help your practitioner get a fuller picture of your health history.

 

Still have questions? Call us at (604) 445-1456 or contact us and we’ll be happy to help.