Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT)

Helping a variety of conditions and sports injuries.

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), also known as osteopathic manipulative therapy or osteopathic manipulation, is a hands-on treatment approach.

Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) utilize OMT to address mechanical pain of the muscle, tendon, or bone resulting from structural imbalances, as well as many other health conditions. OMT is employed not only for treatment, but for diagnosis and disease prevention.

Employing various OMT treatment techniques, DOs administer gentle pressure to manipulate muscles, soft tissues, and joints. This methodology promotes the body's natural healing processes by ensuring proper alignment and balance of bones and muscles.

Who Can Benefit from OMT?

While lower back pain is a common reason for seeking OMT, this therapy’s benefits extend to many other conditions.

Osteopathic manipulative therapy is suitable for individuals across all age groups, including babies, children, and adults. Pregnant women often undergo OMT to enhance sleep quality and alleviate discomfort, while infants experiencing colic can also find relief through this therapy.

Unfortunately, individuals with osteoporosis, bone cancer, or certain joint issues should refrain from osteopathic manipulative treatment. It is crucial to disclose your complete health history to your DO before considering OMT.

What is a D.O.?

Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) subscribe to the belief that the various systems within the body are interconnected and mutually influence each other. Commonly referred to as osteopaths or DOs, these practitioners view the body, mind, and spirit as integral components of a unified system.

A doctor of osteopathy specializes in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a branch of medicine incorporating hands-on therapeutic techniques. DOs undergo specialized training to address issues concerning the musculoskeletal system, yet they are licensed to diagnose and manage a full spectrum of health conditions.

DOs embrace a holistic approach, aiming to comprehend the root causes of symptoms by considering you as a whole person, instead of merely treating symptoms. In their endeavor to optimize your well-being, DOs assess various aspects of your life, including:

  • Diet

  • Exercise

  • Environment

  • Lifestyle

  • Mental & physical well-being

  • Sleep patterns

  • Stress

What Conditions Does OMT Address?

DOs usually use osteopathic manipulative therapy for back pain relief. But OMT can treat many conditions, including:

Respiratory issues like asthma and sinus infections

Musculoskeletal discomfort like back, neck, and joint pain, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome

Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation

Pregnancy-related concerns such as swelling (edema), insomnia, and sciatica

Chronic pain conditions including fibromyalgia, arthritis, menstrual pain, and migraines

Sports injuries and repetitive stress injuries

OMT aims to treat structural imbalances, thereby enhancing nerve and blood circulation to the affected bodily organs, which can contribute to the improvement of overall health.

What happens prior to OM Treatment?

Before commencing osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), your DO will inquire about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any additional health-related issues. DOs utilize this comprehensive information to understand how various aspects of your lifestyle impact your overall health and wellness.

Furthermore, your DO will conduct a physical examination, which may involve palpation or pressure on different areas of your body. Depending on the nature of your symptoms, your DO might recommend diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, to obtain a clearer understanding of your condition before initiating OMT.

What happens during OMT?

During osteopathic manipulation, you'll assume various positions — standing, or sitting or lying down on an examination table. Your DO will palpate your muscles and soft tissues while maneuvering your limbs into different positions. They may employ one or a combination of OMT techniques.

Depending on the technique, you may be asked to lie on your back, roll onto your side, or bring your knees toward your chest. While in these positions, your DO will apply pressure and gently manipulate your muscles and joints. Throughout the procedure, your DO may instruct you to hold and release your breath at specific intervals.

The techniques may involve slow, sustained pressure or quick, abrupt manipulations. Some movements might feel unfamiliar or unusual, but they should NOT cause pain. If you experience any discomfort or pain during the treatment, it is important to communicate this to your DO immediately.

What to expect after OMT.

Responses to osteopathic manipulation vary among individuals. It's common to experience soreness for a day or two following treatment, feel fatigued, or even rejuvenated.

Following each OMT session, it's recommended to:

Hydrate
Drink plenty of water to flush toxins out of your muscles.

Move
Take a short walk to assist your body in acclimating to the newly achieved alignment and balance.

Rest
Refrain from strenuous physical activities for 24 hours after treatment. Instead, focus on deep breathing and allow your body adequate time to recuperate.

What are the benefits of OMT?

OMT addresses conditions that impact various body systems, such as the musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, and immune systems. By realigning the bones and muscles, OMT facilitates improved overall bodily function.

Through OMT, your DO can:

  • Address structural issues affecting joints, muscles, and tissues

  • Enhance circulation, promoting better flow of blood and other bodily fluids

  • Aid in the prevention of health problems and support the body's self-healing mechanisms by optimizing its integrated function

  • Alleviate tight muscles, reduce joint stiffness, and improve range of motion

What are the risks or complications associated with OMT?

OMT techniques are considered safe, with no associated side effects. It is important to note that severe pain is not a typical consequence of OMT procedures.

When can I resume normal activities after OMT?

Typically, you can return to regular activities within a day or two following an OMT session. It is common to experience slight soreness for a few days afterward, but you should NOT feel pain. Discuss starting or resuming an exercise program and other activities with your provider.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about any Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) concerns?

Contact your DO if soreness persists beyond a few days following treatment. Seek immediate attention from your provider if you experience pain after osteopathic manipulative treatment. Pain is not a typical side effect of OMT.