Osteopathy Ann Léveillé

07/29/2026

Please note that the office will be close from August 3 to 13.

I will be back August 17.

Enjoy the rest of the summer.

06/01/2026

Osteoarthritis and Stretching Exercises: CAUTION!

In cases of osteoarthritis, stretching exercises are generally contraindicated.

Indeed, the idea of ​​increasing tissue flexibility to improve joint mobility can be counterproductive, since an arthritic joint often exhibits increased instability. The goal is to increase joint stability, not excessive mobility. When strengthening exercises are performed within the joint's full physiological range of motion, it is generally unnecessary to add stretching to maintain mobility, even in someone without osteoarthritis.

One might think that stretching relieves the morning stiffness characteristic of osteoarthritis. However, this stiffness does not primarily result from a lack of muscle flexibility, but rather from pain-induced spasms and the fact that, after a period of immobility, the temperature of the soft tissues and the viscosity of the synovial fluid (the "oil" that bathes the inside of the joints) are not optimal. Furthermore, the disease leads to fibrosis of the synovial membrane, making it less flexible and contributing to the stiffness typical of osteoarthritis.

The more severe the osteoarthritis, the greater the joint instability, and the more likely stretching—as well as activities involving extreme ranges of motion, such as yoga—will be detrimental.

This phenomenon is further aggravated when stretches are performed incorrectly. Some people push the stretch to the point of causing pain. This pain, in turn, activates a neuromuscular reflex (myotatic reflex) that promotes muscle contraction and spasms, thus contributing to an increase in painful symptoms.

Interesting 😉

By Yvan Campbell

05/25/2026

How does humidity affect the body? A change in barometric pressure.

The thickening of synovial fluid in the joints causes stiffness and creaking. Nervous receptors become more sensitive.

People move less when it's raining outside.

Can heat waves increase chronic pain?

Yes and often significantly.

Heat waves don't create pain, but they act as a multiplier by disrupting several fundamental mechanisms. Three factors combine and reinforce each other: fatigue, lack of sleep, and irritability.

05/25/2026

Okay, let me explain.

In upcoming publications, you will see articles by Mr. Yvan Campbell, Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal in Kinesiology, MSc, CSCS, IRDC, an expert consultant whose work I translated with his consent.

It will address topics that concern the clients I meet. My goal is to share recent knowledge about pain.

It's important to note that acute pain (lasting less than 3 months) and persistent or chronic pain (lasting more than 3 months) are not treated in the same way.

For me, it is important to understand in order to be able to respond to the various signals that the body sends us.

05/19/2026

Osteoarthritis: Why the Stiffness?

The joint stiffness experienced by people with osteoarthritis is not solely due to the deterioration of joint structures or pain. A fundamental cause lies in the dysfunction of synovial fluid, the fluid that naturally lubricates joints such as the back, knee, hip, or shoulder.

In a healthy joint, synovial fluid exhibits non-Newtonian behaviour: it becomes more fluid under rapid movements and more viscous under slow pressure. This property allows the joint surfaces to glide easily while absorbing shocks. In osteoarthritic joints, this behaviour is inhibited, primarily due to inflammation. The fluid remains too viscous and does not become sufficiently fluid quickly enough, which increases friction and joint stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity.

Regular exercise is essential to counteract this phenomenon. Movement stimulates the synovial fluid and promotes its circulation, which partially restores its ability to adjust its viscosity and reduces friction in the joint. Physical activity also triggers local anti-inflammatory mechanisms and strengthens the muscles that support the joint, improving stability and mobility.
Important: Stiffness is not caused by a lack of flexibility. Therefore, static stretching exercises are ineffective and may even be contraindicated, as they increase joint instability and can accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis.

In short: Stiffness associated with osteoarthritis is not inevitable. By combining movement, stimulation of synovial fluid, and muscle strengthening, exercise acts as a truly natural treatment: it conditions the joints of the back, knee, hip, and shoulder, restores the fluidity of the synovial fluid, and reduces stiffness and pain, without risk to the joint.

writen by Yvan Campbell, MSc, CSCS, IRDC

05/16/2026

Finally, a sunny and warm Saturday! The weather and me are never in sync.

I'm participating in a certification program in the context of chronic pain with Yvan Campbell, assistant professor at the University of Montreal and consultant at the Quebec Institute of Kinesiology.

Here is one of my projects under construction.

Have a sunny day.

05/09/2026

It's been a while since I last wrote. Osteopathy Ann Léveillé has been in business for five years now.

I've decided to use this platform to share more information that I consider relevant about how our bodies function.

I have a few projects in mind that I hope to implement starting in the fall of 2026.

I'll keep you updated. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

You can send me a text at: 613-662-9245 or email at: [email protected]

Have a great sunny day

Ann

06/05/2024

IMPORTANT !!! PLEASE NOTE

From July 2, the prices for osteopathy sessions will be

$100.00 for 60 minutes
$90.00 for 60 minutes for those under 18 years old.

These prices include taxes. A receipt is available for your insurance.

Ann Léveillé

06/05/2024

The summer seems to be with us for good.

I will be in vacation from the monday june 16th to monday july 1st. You can book online at: gorendezvous.com/oal

Have a nice summer

Ann Léveillé

Find a professional near you

07/18/2023

We are SO excited to announce that we will be hosting Lisa Hebert, from Tune Up Fitness as she teaches this important certification program.

Roll Model® Method Practitioner Training: Immersive Self-Myofascial Massage Certification Training

​AUG 12-13, 2023 --> Cornwall Island, ON, Canada --> IN PERSON

​TRAINING OVERVIEW

Integrate the power of soft-tool science for yourself and clients using the Roll Model® Method Therapy Balls. Explore pain-erasing, mobility-enhancing self-myofascial release techniques throughout the body. Systematically tour best practices for each part of the body and differentiate application for a variety of clientele.

​REFINE

Your anatomical fluency of bony landmarks, muscular attachments, and the fascial seam-system

​LEARN

The art of crafting test/retest scenarios to provide instant feedback of improved function or reduced pain

​IMPROVE

Classroom demonstration of Therapy Ball techniques with innovative sequences for all levels of student ability

​DISCOVER BODY BLIND SPOTS

Identify and relieve areas of neglect to resolve chronic pain or movement restrictions

​HANDS OFF APPROACH

Provide touch averse clients with an empowered method using low cost, accessible tools to approach their self-care

Location: Iakwa'shatste Youth Fitness

167 International Rd Unit 7, Akwesasne, ON K6H 5R7

Daily Schedule:

Saturday, Aug 12, 2023 - 10:00am to 6:00pm

Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 - 10:00am to 6:00pm

Tuition for Akwesasne Community Members - $500 CAD before June 22, $550 CAD after June 22.

Non-members - $725 CAD before June 22, $750 after June 22

More about the course: https://www.tuneupfitness.com/certification-trainings/roll-model-method

For more information and to register, please contact Jackie at [email protected]