Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy
The Treatment
Osteopathic physicians look at treating illness within the context of the whole person — mind, body and spirit. They are highly skilled in using their sense of touch to feel the patient’s living anatomy, which includes the flow of fluids, motion and texture of tissues and structural make-up.
Most patients are treated lying down. OMT is gentle and requires very little effort from patients. The osteopathic physician manipulates the musculoskeletal region and joints using techniques such as stretching, massage, gentle pressure, heat, cold alcohol therapy and resistance. This promotes healthy movement and blood flow in the tissues and releases compressed bones and joints. Techniques used are specific to the patient’s diagnosis and condition. The DO then properly positions the area to help the body’s ability to regain normal tissue function.
Depending on the duration of the injury or dysfunction, several treatments may be required. OMT may be used alone or in combination with medication, physical therapy and exercise with each playing an important role in treating patients.
When Is OMT Effective?
Treatments help with central healing and can be used for anything that restricts function. If you feel out of alignment, like something is “out of whack,” OMT may provide relief. It is often used to treat musculoskeletal pain but it can also help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, tension headaches, menstrual pain and sports injuries.
People of all ages have found relief from pain as well as quicker healing time and improved mobility through OMT. If you have tried stretching, rest and anti-inflammatories and continue to experience discomfort, it may be beneficial to speak with your primary care physician about a referral to a DO.
The D.O.
Osteopathic physicians, or DOs, are licensed physicians with all of the education and privileges of allopathic physicians (MDs), authorized to perform surgery and prescribe medication. In addition to a medical degree and residency, DOs also receive extensive training in body structure, function and hands-on manipulation. DOs approach the body as a whole, looking for the cause of symptoms. They include the musculoskeletal system as an important structure in their practice. Osteopathic physicians treat symptoms by isolating the source of the problem, and removing the dysfunction by hands-on manipulation.
History Of OMT
Osteopathic medicine traces its official start to the year 1874 when Andrew Taylor Still, MD, founded the discipline. He pioneered the concept of wellness and recognized the importance of treating illness within the context of the whole body. Today, osteopathic medicine is among the fastest-growing sectors in health care. By 2020, it is projected that approximately 100,000 DOs will be practicing in the U.S., according to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
Who Can Benefit From OMT?
OMT can help people of all ages and backgrounds. The treatment can be used to ease pain, promote healing and increase overall mobility. OMT is often used to treat muscle pain. But it can also help patients with a number of other health problems such as:
asthma
sinus disorders
carpal tunnel syndrome
migraines
menstrual pain
When appropriate, OMT can complement, and even replace, drugs or surgery. In this way, OMT brings an important dimension to standard medical care.