What Happens in an Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?
A patient history is taken, and a physical examination is conducted. This may include physical, mental, and emotional assessments to determine their impact on health. A series of gentle techniques are then used to restore mobility, circulation, and adaptability:
Realignment of joints
Visceral (organ) mobilization
Myofascial release
Craniosacral therapy
Strain counterstrain
Muscle energy
These may feel like stretching, gentle pressure, or light resistance.
The number and frequency of sessions needed depend on the initial assessment findings, the issue being treated, and the patient's response to treatment. Exercise or other activities may also be recommended.
Benefits of OMT
OMT can help provide relief for patients of all ages (newborns to seniors) experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions:
Muscle and joint pain
Back and Neck Pain
Headaches and Migraines
Concussion
Sinus or Ear Infections
Sports Injuries
Injuries from car accidents
Fibromyalgia
Digestive, respiratory, or menstrual problems
Pre and Post Natal care
Jaw pain
In many cases, OMT can be used to complement or replace medications and surgery.
Setting Us Apart from Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
OMT is set apart from chiropractic and physical therapy techniques in many ways:
OMT is performed by or under the direction of DOs who are fully licensed physicians. DOs undergo the same medical education as MDs with the addition of 4 years of manual technique training
DOs understand the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit and are trained to treat the whole person
OMT can treat a wide range of conditions and can be part of a comprehensive medical plan
OMT: Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy
Andrew T. Still, M.D., D.O., founded the philosophy of osteopathic medicine (OMT), which emphasizes patient care, in the late 1800s. OMT was grounded in the belief that the body could self-heal and was developed as an alternative to medical or surgical treatment. Osteopathy continues to be a patient-centered, holistic approach to health care that focuses on the relationship between the structure of the body and the way it functions.
Osteopathic practitioners (DOs) support the body’s ability to restore and maintain health by using palpation and manual techniques to influence muscles, joints, nerves, connective tissue, circulation, and internal organs. These hands-on techniques are called osteopathic manipulative treatment or OMT.
Jennifer Malcolm, DO and Milton Wright, DO at McKinley Orthopedic, Sports Medicine, and Spine perform OMT. Using OMT, we can effectively treat your muscles and joints to relieve pain, promote healing, and increase mobility.