Dana Smith

Osteopath DO(MP), Certified Yoga Instructor

Prior to studying Osteopathy, Dana Smith spent 16 years in the legal field. As a licensed Paralegal, Dana owned a legal services business that specialized in defence work.

Dana's Osteopathy Journey:

At 12 years old I was an active, healthy child with no prior health concerns. I had given my parents little more than the usual bumps and bruises to worry about. A typical summer for my brother and I included adventures in our neighbourhood parks and finding ‘treasures’ in the woods. I remember a day that started like any other, with breakfast and chores. Allowed to run free, we jumped on our bikes and hit the community paths. Twenty minutes into our ride, I complained of not feeling well and like a typical older brother, I caught the good-natured ribbing I expected. His laughter quickly turned to panic as the colour suddenly drained from my face and I fell face first into a tree. I had fainted. The episode didn’t last long, but it was enough to terrify my family.

My mother was a registered nurse and like any parent, wanted answers.  And so the repeated medical visits began. The fainting continued, unannounced and sporadic in nature. I learned to recognize the warning signs; I knew when I had about 30 seconds before losing consciousness. At least that meant I never fell into a tree again!  But with every episode came more medical appointments, more tests and more unanswered questions.

It would only happen a few times a year, but I was always waiting for it. The fear alone severely affected my quality of life.  Every social occasion, a first date, every new place I’d visit, my eyes would dart around the room. I was looking for the bathroom, calculating how long it would take for me to reach it before I passed out in front of everyone.

I was examined by my doctor, a cardiologist and a neurologist. I was given test after test with no answers.

At 28 years old, I stumbled across the field of Osteopathy. After doing my research, I decided it was worth a shot.

I went to my first Osteopath appointment having no idea what to expect. He was kind and gentle and immediately put me at ease. He asked questions that seemed to have nothing to do with my history of fainting. I was asked questions about the health of my mother at the time of my birth, to my relationship with my family and how I felt about myself. He spent a full 2 hours with me and then sent me on my way.  I was told to drink plenty of water and pay attention to how I felt in the days that followed.

Three weeks later, I had my next appointment. Another hour with my Osteopath while he performed adjustments on me. There was no pain, no poking, prodding or cracking, I didn’t realize it then, but I left that day cured!

I am pleased to report that almost 10 years later, I have not fainted once. I still visit my Osteopath regularly. These treatments play a key role in my continued health and wellbeing.

As a result of my experience and with the hope of helping others, I trained at the Ontario School of Osteopathy and Alternative Medicine. If you suffer from headaches, a sore neck or back, I can help you. If you work at a desk, or have been in an accident, if you live with aches or pains and have decided "It’s because I am getting old", I can help you. Pain is not a symptom of age. Pain is a symptom of your body’s structure being out of its natural alignment. However that imbalance occurred, it can be corrected.

It is not my belief, nor my intention to suggest that medical doctors do not provide an invaluable service. My mother is a medical practitioner and I am grateful for the treatment and care I have received throughout my life. However, I do not believe that all answers can only be found in a hospital. There are other paths, which do not include medications and surgery as a first response.

My journey has proven to me that in the properly structured body, lies the key to its proper function.  Let your mind be open to the knowledge that there is a pain free life ahead of you; in work, in play and in your everyday routine. You are never too old, or too broken to benefit from the improvements in health and quality of life that Osteopathy provides.

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Are you ready to start living pain-free? Schedule your appointment with Kitchener Osteopathy right now and let us help you feel your best everyday!