Like many people, Edun Valdman suffered sinus and breathing issues as a kid that made it challenging to pursue his many sports activities. Still, he worked to improve his skills and as an adult continues hiking, biking, hockey and golf.
Edun’s career path, as an osteopathic manual practitioner, was influenced by his early health problems. While at Wilfrid Laurier University studying for his kinesiology degree, a friend of his mom’s suggested he see an osteopath practising in Brampton. He describes that appointment as life changing. “After my first treatment, I realized what the world smells like. From fresh cut grass to hot pavement. It felt like I was breathing for the first time. At my next appointment, I asked her how the heck she had done that and how do I do it? She said, go to this school.”
“This school” was Hamilton’s Canadian Academy of Osteopathy. Taking her advice, Edun enrolled after graduating from Laurier and completed the program in 2022. After working at three clinics simultaneously, including covering his original osteopath’s maternity leave, he decided to launch his own practice.
After initial struggles setting up, solo running and filling his practice with clients, in just three years Edun’s practice has flourished as clients refer family and friends. “Since day one I’ve kept track of where my clients come from and it’s almost completely via referrals,” he says. “There is a flow. A new client presents their issue, and I treat their sore back, tennis elbow or painful knee and after three or four weeks of weekly treatment, I advise they come less frequently, then they rotate out knowing when to book a future appointment. In the meantime, a new client, often one they’ve referred, books an appointment.”
Asked if it’s difficult to get an appointment, Edun responds, “My goal is to have clients heal and exit the practice, making room for new or returning clients with a new issue to address.”
Edun’s business is now so successful that he is welcoming four new professionals: Sofia Forman, a registered psychotherapist specializing in integrative, trauma-informed therapy that bridges mind, body, and relational healing; Shahrzad Taghavi, accredited by the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario; Laura Polisuk, a registered social worker helping clients to develop practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges, build resilience and address anxiety, trauma, and body image concerns; and Mary Chris Via, a registered massage therapist from Medix College of Healthcare, who helps relieve stress, treat pain and provide relaxation massage.
You can easily find Edun’s clinic and colleagues. Walk north on the east side of Bayview, past all the fruit markets and you’ll spot a sandwich board directing you to his osteopathy office in the lane behind the chocolate shop, at 1645 Bayview Ave.
