Treatments of Osteopathic
Manipulative Therapy
Treatments of Osteopathic
What Is Osteopathic Manipulative
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands on approach to help ease musculoskeletal pain and other health conditions. It is used to treat mechanical pain caused by the muscle, fascia, connective tissues, bone and joints that are the result of structural imbalance in the body. This is an alternative treatment option that doesn’t use injections or oral medications to alleviate pain and restore range of motion. There are several techniques used by the physician to treat these dysfunctions. These may include gentle pressure and range of motion to thrust based techniques. OMT encourages your body to heal itself through these techniques. It helps to ensure that your bones, joints and soft tissues are aligned and balanced.
Examples where OMT may be beneficial include, but are not limited to Breathing issues- asthma, chronic pain syndromes-arthritis, fibromyalgia, sprains and strains, neck and back pain, pregnancy pain, headache/migraines etc.
At your appointment the 1st visit will include XR of the problem area(s) and a structural exam to asses these areas. A treatment plan will be created with the patient and initiated. This may include referral or handout for exercises and stretches to do outside of the office. At subsequent visits if needed you will be seated or laying down on the exam table. OMT techniques will be used to treat the affected area(s), one or several techniques may be used to accomplish improvement in symptoms. Some movements may be strange and may feel awkward, but you should not feel pain with them.
After your appointment you want to make sure to increase hydration. Avoid rigorous activity for at least 24 hours after treatment to allow your body time to rest and heal. OMT techniques are safe to perform after a proper structural exam and imaging has been completed. You may have some minor soreness after the treatment that usually resolves within 24 hrs. There are some techniques that can leave a bruise, but no pain. The overall goal of treatment is to get you back to feeling good, increasing mobility and allow you to be active without pain.
The Osteopathic experience of hands on therapy to get you moving pain free.
Discover the magic of Osteopathy manual therapy to help heal your pain and increase mobility.
Movement heals- so let Osteopathy guide you to better mobility and less pain.
Understanding the Difference:
Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) vs. Chiropractor
Are you confused about the roles of different healthcare professionals? Here’s a clear guide to help you understand the distinction between a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) and a Chiropractor.
Doctor of Osteopathy (DO):
- Medical Training: DOs are fully licensed physicians who complete medical school, similar to MDs, with additional training in the musculoskeletal system. They are equipped to perform surgery, prescribe medication, and provide comprehensive patient care.
- Holistic Approach: Osteopathic physicians focus on a holistic approach, considering the whole body and its interconnected systems to promote overall wellness.
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): DOs are trained in OMT, a hands-on technique used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. This can complement traditional medical treatments.
- Scope of Practice: DOs can specialize in any area of medicine, from family practice to surgery, and work in various healthcare settings.
Chiropractor
- Chiropractic Training: Chiropractors undergo specialized training focused primarily on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine.
- Non-invasive Treatments: Chiropractors do not prescribe medications or perform surgery. They focus on spinal adjustments and other manual therapies to alleviate pain and improve function.
- Focus on Spine Health: Chiropractic care primarily addresses issues related to the spine and its impact on the nervous system and overall health.
- Patient Education: Chiropractors often emphasize lifestyle changes, exercise, and nutrition to support spinal health and prevent further issues.
Choosing the
Right Care
When considering your healthcare options, it’s essential to understand the differences between these practitioners to make an informed decision based on your health needs.
Whether you seek the holistic and comprehensive approach of a DO or the specialized spine care of a Chiropractor, both play unique roles in maintaining and improving health.
For further information or to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact our office. We’re here to help guide you on your health journey.
Watch
From the Media
Foot & Ankle OMT Videos with Dr. Saundra Holseth
Lower Extremity OMT with Dr. Saundra Holseth of Releve Sports Medicine
Rib Diaphragm OMT with Dr. Saundra Holseth of Releve Sports Medicine
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Pregnancy - OMT
OBGYN patients go through a multitude of hormonal, circulatory and biomechanical changes. These factors can lead to motion restriction, pain, edema, and autonomic imbalances. OMT can help to reduce MSK pains and help to improve function and mobility. It can help to improve lymphatic and autonomic balance. OMT helps to support the physiologic changes that occur with pregnancy. OMT can help to treat common pregnancy related conditions through gentle non-pharmacological means.
These include, but are not limited to
- Sciatica or sacroiliac dysfunction
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Round ligament pain
- Pubic symphasis dysfunction
- Rib cage, thoracic and cerivcal pain
- Edema (lower extremities & hands)
- Headaches – related to tension and or sinus congestion
- Low back pain and pelvic girdle pain
OMT can also be used in the post-partum setting to treat the above as well. This is beneficial as the hormones are changing, the body is transitioning how it provides for the baby and returning to its more neutral pattern of homeostasis.
The OMT techniques used in the OB/Gyn patient are gentle low risk methods such as
- Muscle energy
- Articulatory techniques
- Myofascial release
- Lymphatic techniques
- Balanced ligamentous tension
- Counter strain
- Soft tissue techniques
In the non-pregnant gynecological patients OMT can also be beneficial for the following conditions
- Dysmenorrhea
- Chronic pelvic pain
- post-op pain and or adhesions
- Dyspareunia associated with pelvic floor dysfunction
- Urinary or bowel dysfunction associated with a musculoskeletal component
Studies on Osteopathic Manipulative
Treatment (OMT) and Pregnancy
Below are some studies that have been conducted with OMT and pregnancy:
Arruda Correia ML, Peixoto Filho FM, Gomes Júnior SC, de Jesus GR (2024) Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment on maternal-fetal hemodynamics in third trimester pregnant women
Arruda Correia ML, Peixoto Filho FM, Gomes Júnior SC, de Jesus GR (2024) Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment on maternal-fetal hemodynamics in third trimester pregnant women
A prospective study. PLoS ONE 19(3): e0300514. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300514
John M Lavelle D.O.. (2012) Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Pregnant Women. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 112(6): 343- 346 Leah D Frank D.O., Shalini Bhetia MS, Karen T Snider D.O.. (2020) Charachteristics and Management of Pregnant Patients From a Neuromuscular Medicine/ Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Clinic.
J Am Osteopath Assoc. 120(12): 913- 920 Kendi L Hensel D.O., PhD, Michael S Carnes D.O., Scott T Stoll D.o.. (2016) Pregnancy Research on Osteopathic Manipulation Optimizing Treatment Effects: The PROMOTE Study Protocol. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 116(11): 718-724
FAQ
Frequently
Asked Questions
OMT is a hands-on treatment performed by a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal pain and movement restrictions.
OMT uses manual techniques such as stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
OMT is commonly used for sports injuries, back and neck pain, joint dysfunction, muscle strains, headaches, and postural or movement issues.
Yes. OMT is safe when performed by a trained osteopathic physician and is tailored to each patient’s condition and comfort level.
