About Me

My name is Elle and I am a manual osteopathic practitioner in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Osteopathy is a gentle and relaxing modality of treatment. It includes a range of techniques such as joint mobilization, cranial osteopathy, visceral osteopathy and myofascial release. I am also a yoga teacher. I offer yoga classes both online and in person, so you can join a class from anywhere in the world.

I am endlessly inspired by the core principles of osteopathy: understanding the body as a dynamic unit rather than merely a collection of parts; recognizing the interconnectedness between its structure and function; and supporting the body’s own innate self-regulating and self-healing capacity. My love of osteopathy is rooted in the notion that osteopathy is a practice of listening to the body and guiding it back into balance rather than imposing on it through invasive measures. Osteopathy is a gentle and relaxing modality of treatment. 

I have long been fascinated by the mind-body connection. Before studying osteopathy, I taught yoga and sought to make it more accessible by offering trauma-sensitive classes as well as gentle yoga and chair yoga. Studying osteopathy gave me the chance to dive deeper into the amazing world of anatomy and physiology and gain an understanding of how crucial movement is to health and vitality. 

I have a special interest in how osteopathic treatment can address mental and emotional health in addition to physical health (they are not as separate as we are sometimes led to believe). My area of research during her schooling was the use of osteopathic treatment to support those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. I am looking forward to engaging in continuing education to build upon my interest in cranial osteopathy.


Osteopathy Pricing

Payment methods accepted: e-transfer (preferred), cash, cheque, debit.

Initial Appointment
(70 min)

$126+HST

Follow-up Appointment
(60 min)
Follow-up Appointment
(45 min)

Send me an email for details about yoga class fees


Cancellation Policy

Your osteopathy appointment time is reserved just for you. A cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists’ day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, 24 hours notice is required for any cancellation or change to your appointment. Those who provide less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full appointment fee. Some exceptions apply such as emergencies, unforeseen illness, or sudden life events. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopathy

Will my extended benefits cover the appointment fee?

It is your responsibility to check with your provider to confirm whether our services are covered. Many insurers recognize our services but some do not. Feel free to send me an email if you have questions. I will do my best to help!

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Osteopathy is effective for any age and any body type. We work over the clothes, and it helps if you wear soft, flexible clothing. During your first appointment, I will devote time to listening to your concerns and your history. You can expect to notice a positive result a few days after a treatment, so plan to be gentle with your body for the first day or two after treatment.

Yoga

How do I sign up for yoga classes

Send me an email! Our online library of pre-recorded classes is always available, but live classes (in-person &/or online) are offered in 10 week sessions a few times a year (depending on the demand for these sessions). If you are interested in joining live classes, I would love to hear from you!

Why try yoga?

Movement is health, and the gentle stretches and movements that we do in a yoga class are incredibly beneficial for your body and mind. Yoga is more than poses that look like human pretzel shapes – breathing exercises, mindfulness and gentle movements can help you learn to regulate your nervous system, improve sleep and develop habits that can reduce anxiety.

I am trained in trauma-sensitive yoga and I am passionate about making yoga accessible to all of us.

Can I try yoga even though my body is…

…not flexible, not strong, not the right size/shape/age, etc. Yes! You can practice yoga no matter what body you are in. Yoga is adaptable and there are many styles & forms of yoga to choose from depending on your circumstances. Hop over to my yoga page for more details.

A picture of the inside of the Rivers Osteopathy clinic