Osteopathic Manual Therapy in Vancouver
A thoughtful, hands-on approach to better movement.
At Elani Wellness, osteopathic manual therapy is centred around understanding how your body moves, adapts, and responds to everyday demands. Whether you're experiencing persistent muscle tension, joint stiffness, or discomfort affecting your daily activities, our practitioners take the time to understand your concerns and tailor treatment to your needs.
Located in Oakridge, Vancouver, our clinic offers a calm and welcoming space where care is personal, unhurried, and focused on you.
Reasons People Seek Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Neck and Back Discomfort
Address areas of tension, stiffness, and movement restriction that may affect daily comfort.
Joint Stiffness and Reduced Mobility
Explore hands-on treatment options to support more comfortable and confident movement.
Persistent Muscle Tension
Take a broader look at how posture, movement habits, and physical demands may be contributing to ongoing discomfort.
Meet Our Osteopathic Manual Practitioners
Amanda Westenberg M.OMSc
My journey into Osteopathic manual therapy began as a patient searching for answers after years of severe chronic pain. Finding lasting relief through an Osteopathic approach transformed my life and inspired me to help others achieve the same.
I graduated with my Master in Practice of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences (M.OMSc) in July 2026 after completing a rigorous 4.5-year program with over 4,200 hours of study and 1,200 hours of supervised clinical work. As a professional member of OSTCAN (Osteopathy Canada), most extended health insurance plans cover treatments provided under my care.
I approach care through a classical lens focused on anatomy, physiology, an understanding of how physics affects the musculoskeletal system under gravitational load, and the mechanical balance throughout the body—looking beyond surface symptoms to identify the root cause of discomfort and support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Mehdi Tafreshi
Mehdi brings over 20 years of clinical experience, having previously practised as a physiotherapist in Iran before continuing his education and practice in osteopathic manual therapy.
His approach combines his extensive background in musculoskeletal rehabilitation with hands-on osteopathic techniques to help address pain, movement restrictions and functional concerns. Depending on each client’s needs, treatment may incorporate joint mobilization, soft tissue and myofascial techniques, PNF stretching, craniosacral techniques, visceral manipulation and therapeutic exercise.
Mehdi has experience working with a wide range of concerns, including neck and back pain, sports injuries, joint and muscle tension, TMJ dysfunction, sciatica, postural issues, headaches and mobility restrictions.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) from National University of Medical Sciences in Spain, as well as a FIFA Diploma in Sports Medicine.
Mehdi is currently a member of the Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine (ACMA) and SCMMAC.
Please note: Mehdi practises in British Columbia as an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner. Extended health coverage for osteopathic manual therapy varies between insurance providers and individual benefit plans.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
Your practitioner will assess your movement and areas of concern before discussing an individualized treatment approach. Techniques are adapted to your comfort, preferences, and clinical needs.
Our goal is to create a supportive experience where you understand your treatment and feel comfortable asking questions along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is osteopathic manual therapy covered by insurance?
Some extended health benefit plans include osteopathic manual therapy. Coverage depends on your insurer, your individual policy, and the practitioner's qualifications or association membership. We recommend confirming eligibility directly with your insurance provider before your appointment.
Is osteopathic manual therapy the same as massage therapy?
No. While both may involve hands-on techniques, osteopathic manual therapy considers relationships between different body structures and movement patterns. Registered massage therapy is a separate service provided by Registered Massage Therapists.
Will treatment be painful?
Your practitioner will explain the proposed techniques and adapt treatment to your comfort and preferences. Please let them know if any technique feels uncomfortable.