Patient Reviews

When I started Osteopathy treatments I had recently been diagnosed with tennis elbow. Previous to that I also had tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I’ve also had Colitis for over twenty years. I also have seasonal allergies/sinus problems and occasional back trouble. The medications I took are Asacol for Colitis, also Pentasa, Sinutab or Claritin for sinus and allergies. I kept a daily journal for all the medications I take to avoid over medicating and so I wouldn’t forget to take something. I needed all my medication all the time. Since started Osteopathy treatments, I no longer depend heavily on the medication. I now take half the Asacol for my Colitis. I don’t need medication for sinus or allergy problems. I do occasionally use a nasal spray (for sinus). I now have a Colonoscopy (for Colitis) once every two years. Before, I had to do them every year. My doctors are pleased with my progress. I stopped seeing Chiropractors after ten years. I no longer have the back and neck problems that I did before. I still have occasional back pain, but nothing out of the ordinary for a person of my age. Because of the job I do, I still have some problems with tendonitis tennis-elbow and Carpal Tunnel. Most of the time I’m fine, with only the occasional flare ups. I believe that Osteopathy, dietary changes and exercise made all the difference in controlling the Colitis and eliminating my sinus problems. My tennis elbow and tendonitis conditions are at a manageable level and usually do not cause me any pain or discomfort most of the time.

As a physiotherapist and graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Health Sciences, I must admit that I was skeptical about the practice of Osteopathy. I wondered if there was any scientific evidence to support this type of approach. However I had undergone medical investigations for some of my problems, which had not uncovered any solutions, and other more traditional treatment had failed to produce lasting changes. Therefore when a friend recommended Atily Gunaratne, I decided to eventually try this type of treatment. The chief problems I was experiencing were digestive disturbances which sometimes caused heart palpitations, sinus problems with occasional headaches, and despite exercises, problems improving my upper back flexibility and overall posturing. It is now several months later and I have improved significantly. My digestion is considerably better (rarely have heartburn and burping now), the palpitations have almost gone and my overall posturing has improved. In the fall when I usually experience my worst sinus headaches from allergy season, I hardly had any headaches and I did not require any allergy medications. Overall I have an improved sense of well being. As a result of my experiences, I would highly recommend osteopathic treatment with Atily Gunaratne. In fact, I have advised several of my friends to go and they as well have found positive benefits.

I am a designer who works in all aspects of interior design. My profession requires that I am frequently on site, working along with clients as well as trades people. It can be a demanding job physically. I first consulted with Atily Gunaratne in August of 1999. My main health problem at that time was that I was suffering from extreme lower back pain . So much so that I was I could not dress myself properly. I could not bend enough to put on my underwear , foot wear, pants or anything that required my bending over towards my feet. Side ways mobility also affected. I had been getting chiropractic treatment and massage treatments at this time for approximately two years, but my physical problems were not improving. I was getting a lot of set backs, and consequently getting very discouraged, depressed and losing hope rapidly of ever recovering. At my first assessment with Atily, he assured me that he could help me. He said it would take time and commitment on my part, but if I was willing, there was no doubt in his mind. It was possible for me to make a full recovery. After so much pain, day in, day out for several years, this was music to my ears. Apparently my back problems were stemming from a tubal ligation procedure that had been performed after my second child was born in 1983. When my son was 2 years old ,the serious pain and problems had begun, and at regular intervals my back would “go out”. I couldn’t stand or sit at all, I couldn’t sleep properly, or carry out any of my normal functions. I became completely incapacitated. Visits to my G.P . weren’t much help. After being sent for X-rays, I was told that I had curvature of my spine, and no help, suggestions, treatment or medication were offered. I was on my own. I was relieved, after being recommended to Atily by a friend who had great success very quickly with her problem. I had hope again, and assurance that there was help for me. It has now been almost 10 months. Initially I visited the clinic every 7 days, and slowly my visits have been reduced to once a month. I can now bend , sit, walk and function normally every way imaginable, without pain or discomfort. The things that were impossible for me before, like sitting in a movie theater, and enjoying a film have been given back to me. I thought my life was over, and had begun resign myself to this, I felt alone with no one to help, and no relief in sight. Today it is a different story, better than I ever thought imaginable. I have a full and active life, thanks to the kindness, support, help and Osteopathic care I received from Atily.

I am a 46 year old cost accountant. I had suffered 3 different accidents in the last 3 years, and all of them affected my lower back, shoulders and neck. After the first and second one, I used to go to physiotherapy three times a week for several months with very poor results. When the third accident happened , I decided to try an unconventional treatment. A friend of mine explained to me how Osteopathy works, and recommended me to Atily Gunaratne. After my first appointment I started to believe that I could get good results. He spent one hour and explained to me exactly what my problems were. Furthermore he gave me the approximate number of sessions I needed. I felt that I was in professional and considerate hands. The experience was amazing. The treatment was non-invasive. He explained every thing before he did it. My lower back, neck and shoulder really improved. Furthermore, my energy started to flow again. Now I feel more connected , and my body, mind and soul work together. I strongly recommend this Osteopathic treatment for every one who wants to improve their health.

I have worked as a physiotherapist for many years in a variety of fields including neurology, orthopaedics and paediatric rehabilitation. Traditional physiotherapy can be very helpful, however many problems are systemic in nature. In these cases I have found osteopathy to be very effective. Over the years Atily has treated me for a number of problems including plantar fasciitis, respiratory issues and postural alignment. His skill level is unsurpassed, often finding the cause of the problem far away from the actual symptom. He is extremely personable and easy to talk to. He is a good listener. As a senior citizen I attribute my good health and mobility to his treatments and general advice.

I have been struggling with chronic back pain and sciatica for the last 6 months. After trying a multitude of therapies, I finally feel like I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Dr. Atily is knowledgeable, kind and has such wonderful energy. After 1 session I have had more relief than months of any other means to rid me of this pain. I am looking forward to continuing treatment with Dr. Atily and highly recommend him.

The first set of pains in my neck and shoulder started in Jamaica where I lived as a teen. While there I also had stomach pain. They had diagnosed me with peptic ulcer. The doctors took me off fried foods to deal with it. When I came to Canada, I didn't follow the strict diet that I used to follow when I was a teen. My stomach problems continued. My health issues started way back in Jamaica when she was a teen. When I first came to Canada in my 20s I gave up on the strict diet to control my ulcer pains. When I started working in her early 30s, I "started getting pains in my neck, shoulder, and even down my spine, and they started getting worse. You wouldn't believe this but I used to hold up my head while walking. Driving my car was really, really hard." The idea of working out in a gym was unthinkable. I was even afraid to walk or run because of the pain. What was worse was the traditional medical folks were not able to provide a solution. All this time I had been seeing MDs and medical specialists who gave me pain killers and ulcer pills and they all had different ideas about what could be causing my pains, I also saw chiropractors, masseurs and physiotherapists and it wasn’t helping with lessening the pains. I saw these health care professionals almost every week for four years. I was introduced to Vaughan-based Atily Gunaratne and I had osteopathic treatments from him. That is when my pains started to disappear. Today is a new person. I`ve lost a lot of weight. I`m now able to drive without discomfort and to drop my daughter off for school, get to her basketball practice and visit her friends` house. Meeting Dr. Atily was the best thing that ever happened to me. Today I feel just great. Never felt better, Dr Atily’s ability to make me understand the connection between my stomach and the pains I had been having in the rest of my body. Paule

I would like to thank Dr. Atily Gunaratne for his support and understanding during my recovery. There are no words to explain how awful it was to live in constant debilitating chronic pain for years, until I met Dr. Gunaratne. I was not given any hope from the world’s best medical specialist, after being diagnosed with cervical spondylolisthesis. I was told that I would be living in constant pain that would seriously limit my mobility for the rest of my life. My options were to immediately have surgery, and of course I was given no reassurance of any successful outcome and was told I would have to continue taking the highly addictive pain narcotics. These medications did not cease or diminish my agony at all. At this point, I needed to make some serious choices in my life. I said "NO" to surgery and I decided my life was going to be worthy, not only quantity of life, but ‘quality’. I therefore chose at that moment to live my life with happiness, prosperity, mobility and pain free. I chose a different route in medicine and decided to try alternative treatment, Osteopathy. Osteopathy has a different approach to treating people. Essentially, they assess a person’s entire situation. This is exactly what Dr. Atily Gunaratne did while handling my case. I began from not being able to sit comfortably, walk properly, along with experiencing severe tickling and numbness in my neck, arms, hands, fingers, and was in excruciating pain to not experiencing any of those sensations anymore. The healing results are magnificent! Although it took a while, I have since been able to surpass all of those obstacles. I can now enjoy my life, socialize and work. Without Dr. Gunaratne’s knowledge, skills and competency, this would not have been possible. I am ever so grateful that I met him and he was able to help in my recovery. Thank you Dr. Gunaratne for giving me hope and assisting me through the most challenging time of my life! - Palma February 16, 2015

Atily Gunaratne is a very effective osteopath. I suffered from sciatic pain down my leg for three months for which I received physiotherapy treatment but on discharge I still had lingering leg and joint pain which at times made it difficult to walk. Atily on the first visit carefully assessed my situation, determined the cause of the leg pain and that there were other areas which required treatment - which he was correct as I was experiencing pain or concerns in those areas. His treatments, all manually based, were gentle and required extreme focus from him. He determined I needed 2 additional visits for the treatment required. I was going on holiday in three weeks and was concerned whether the treatments could happen in time as he is booked well in advance. He priorized me on the weekly waitlist and fortunately because I was flexible with appointment times his office was able to fit me in to make the additional visits. I went to Atily on a friend's advice, although I was wary of alternative medicine, she spoke highly of his effectiveness for herself and family. I am glad I took her advice. Atily is a consummate professional, very knowledgeable and effective in his field of study, very willing to answer all questions and very reasoned and thorough in his response. He "listens" very carefully to what your body is telling him and he provides treatment accordingly. Ask and he explains each of his treatments and why. The outcome of his treatments for me was that my mobility was restored to enjoy my holiday and other pain and discomfort relieved. I was very happy with the results. His office is very well run and Maria at the front desk is most pleasant and helpful. His treatment was just what I required. Thank you Atily. May 3, 2015

A gift to the world! Atily is a very rare breed; his knowledge and deep understanding of the human body is mixed with something mystical that can only be understood by those lucky enough to have been his patient. His treatments have had a deep impact on my life and I am forever grateful to know him. Kathy

Dr. Atily has truly changed my life. He has healed me in many ways....ways that other professionals have not been able to do. He is trustworthy, reliable, professional and gifted. I have recommend him to many people. I know he will continue to heal many more people. Tania

All of my issues due to my concussion was healed thanks to Dr.Atily help. Satha

Dr. Atily has such a kind demeanour in which one can’t help but feel calm during treatment. His empathetic nature allows me to go into each appointment knowing that I am more than just a name off an appointment list. The entire team is amazing and Rose has such a welcoming and positive personality that I look forward to each interaction! Mikayla

I have been visiting the Osteopathic Health Centre periodically for a few years now. I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle but life will always have its ups and down. The Health Centre helps align me once again and always leaves me feeling balanced physically and mentally determined to do my best for my health. The staff here care very much about my well being and coach me to succeed on my own terms. Nick

Dr. Atily has been an integral part of my healing process. I had been suffering from progressive stiffness in the neck which gave me headaches and minimized my range of movement. It affected my ability to drive as well as everyday life. After many visits visits with Dr. Atily, where we discussed reducing my intake of gluten and other suggestions as well as treatment, I finally felt like I could move again. I was able to begin yoga classes and I have a better range of movement and flexiblity than I did in my 20's. I thank Dr. Atily for all his insight and help that he continues to provide to myself and my entire family. Mary

Osteopathic manual treatment has had a tremendous impact on my overall health and quality of life over the past 30 years! Through the correction of imbalances in my body, I have experienced relief from sinus headaches, digestive disturbances, along with freedom from pain and improved mobility resulting from a variety of sport-related musculoskeletal injuries. In addition, I will never forget that one treatment years after childbirth halted bladder infections caused by scar tissue from my c-sections and stopped my need for recurrent antibiotics. In short, I truly have benefitted from the holistic approach osteopathic practitioners like Dr Atily Gunaratne undertake. Their extensive knowledge of the interrelation between the different body systems is impressive. As a prior physiotherapist and clinician researcher, I have been baffled at times to explain how it works but appreciate that the practice includes both art and science and truly complements other traditional medical therapies. Deborah Kennedy, MSc. BScPT Former, Manager of Rehabilitation