Why Ortho-Bionomy®?
Gentle, non-invasive bodywork rooted in osteopathic science — designed to work with your body, not against it.
The principles behind the approach
What makes Ortho-Bionomy® different from other forms of bodywork
Self-correction, not force
The body has an innate capacity to self-correct. Rather than forcing change, the practitioner positions the body to activate its own reflexive response — a concept that originates from osteopathic physician Dr. Lawrence Jones, who discovered in 1955 that positioning the body in comfort triggers spontaneous release of tension.
Proprioceptive re-education
Proprioceptors are sensors in your muscles, joints, and fascia that tell your brain where your body is in space. Ortho-Bionomy® works with this system through gentle positioning and movement, helping the nervous system recognize and release dysfunctional patterns that contribute to pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion.
Client-led pacing
There is no scripted protocol. Your feedback guides the session — the practitioner checks in, adjusts the approach based on what you feel, and never pushes past your comfort. You remain an active participant in your own care.
Structure governs function
This foundational osteopathic principle means that when the body's structure finds balance, its systems work more freely. Ortho-Bionomy® applies this by addressing structural tension and its effects on mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
How does Ortho-Bionomy® work?
Ortho-Bionomy® was developed in the 1970s by Arthur Lincoln Pauls, a British osteopath inspired by Dr. Lawrence Jones's research on Spontaneous Release Upon Positioning. Jones found that moving the body gently toward a pattern of tension — rather than stretching or forcing away from it — triggers the nervous system to recognize and release the pattern.
Pauls expanded on this, creating a system of techniques that use comfortable positioning, precise movement, and light contact to stimulate the body's self-corrective reflexes. Sessions are performed fully clothed, without lotions or oils, and never involve forced adjustments.
It is not a medical treatment and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What people commonly seek sessions for
Outcomes vary by individual. These are the most common reasons people book a session.
Chronic neck, back & shoulder tension
Persistent tightness in these areas is one of the most common reasons people try Ortho-Bionomy®. Gentle positioning can help the muscles release without deep pressure or forceful manipulation.
Stress & nervous-system overwhelm
When the nervous system is stuck in a heightened state, the body holds tension it can't easily release. Sessions support nervous-system settling, often leaving people feeling noticeably calmer and more present.
Pregnancy & postpartum comfort
Your body goes through profound structural changes during pregnancy and recovery. Many clients find that gentle, non-invasive bodywork supports comfort and mobility during these transitions. Always follow your medical provider's guidance.
Recovery support after injury or surgery
If you are working through physical discomfort after an injury or procedure, Ortho-Bionomy® may be a helpful complementary approach alongside your medical care. It does not replace physical therapy or medical treatment.
TMJ discomfort & jaw tension
Jaw clenching, grinding, and TMJ-related discomfort are common stress responses. Ortho-Bionomy® includes gentle techniques that can support awareness and release in the jaw, head, and neck.
Posture, mobility & body awareness
Many people come not for a specific complaint but for general support — improved postural balance, greater range of motion, or simply a deeper connection with how their body moves and holds tension.
Common questions
Thorough answers to help you decide if Ortho-Bionomy® is a good fit
Is this massage or chiropractic?
No. Ortho-Bionomy® is a distinct bodywork modality — it is not massage therapy and it is not chiropractic. Sessions are performed fully clothed without lotions or oils. Unlike chiropractic, Ortho-Bionomy® never uses force that crosses a resistance barrier. The practitioner works with gentle positioning and movement to engage the body's self-corrective reflexes, rather than applying deep tissue manipulation or forceful adjustments.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is usually best. Sessions are performed fully clothed, so choose something you can move and relax in. Avoid bulky sweaters, belts, or anything restrictive.
How many sessions do I need?
It depends on your goals and how your body responds. Your first session includes a brief intake conversation so Clara can understand what you're looking for. Many people notice a shift in comfort or awareness within one to three sessions. Some prefer ongoing support, while others come as needed. There is no set protocol — sessions are guided by your goals and your body's response.
Is Ortho-Bionomy® safe during pregnancy?
Many clients seek gentle bodywork during pregnancy and postpartum. Because Ortho-Bionomy® is non-invasive and does not involve forceful manipulation, it can be a supportive complement during seasons of significant physical change. If you are pregnant, postpartum, or have medical concerns, consult your healthcare provider beforehand and share relevant information with Clara so the session can be tailored to your needs.
Does it hurt?
Ortho-Bionomy® is designed around the principle of comfort, not pain. The practitioner gently moves the body toward positions of ease — not through discomfort. If something doesn't feel right, you're encouraged to say so, and the approach is adjusted immediately. Many people find sessions deeply relaxing.
What conditions can it help with?
People commonly seek Ortho-Bionomy® for chronic tension, stiffness, stress-related holding patterns, recovery support after injury, and general comfort and mobility. Reported benefits include reduced pain and tension, increased range of motion, improved postural balance, and a greater sense of relaxation.
Ortho-Bionomy® is not a substitute for medical care and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition or symptoms that require diagnosis, please consult a licensed medical provider.
Sources & additional reading
Learn more about the origins, scope, and practice of Ortho-Bionomy®
Society of Ortho-Bionomy International®
The official professional society, founded in 1984. Provides information about training, ethics, code of conduct, and practitioner registration.
Scope of Practice
Clarifies what Ortho-Bionomy® is and is not, how it differs from massage therapy, chiropractic, and physical therapy, and how it is intended to be practiced.
Positional Release & Strain-Counterstrain
Dr. Lawrence Jones's foundational research on spontaneous release through positioning — the osteopathic discovery that directly inspired Arthur Lincoln Pauls to develop Ortho-Bionomy®.
Society of Ortho-Bionomy of Canada
The Canadian professional society, with detailed practitioner explanations, training information, and a clear overview of what Ortho-Bionomy® is and how it can support well-being.
Ready to try a gentle approach?
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