Learning About Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a therapy in which the doctor gently presses on, massages, or stretches a patient’s body to help the body feel, work, and move better. OMT is a unique approach because it treats the whole body rather than...
What is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)?
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a therapy in which the doctor gently presses on, massages, or stretches a patient’s body to help the body feel, work, and move better.
OMT is a unique approach because it treats the whole body rather than just treating the specific pain or health issue on its own. OMT uses the relationship between the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, and tissues) and the rest of the body to help the body work and move better, heal, and get back to its natural balance.
OMT is often used by doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). Along with standard medical training, DOs get training in hands-on treatments to heal joints, muscles, and other parts of the body. OMT can also be used by medical doctors (MDs) who get a special certification.
Why is it done?
Most people get OMT to treat:
- Low back pain.
- Neck pain.
- Migraines.
- Other musculoskeletal issues.
It's also used to treat things like:
- Damage, weakness, stiffness, and instability.
- Difficulty moving.
- Issues with breathing and digestion.
Even though OMT is a medicine-free treatment, it's often used along with medicine or other traditional treatments.
How is it done?
There are many OMT techniques. DOs tend to use techniques that use gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, soft tissues, and joints. Techniques often used by DOs include:
- Muscle energy. This is done to reduce pain. The patient tightens and relaxes their muscles as the doctor helps stretch the tight muscle.
- Myofascial release. This is done to improve blood flow and reduce pain. The doctor gently presses on the body to relax the connective tissue throughout the body.
There are also thrust-based techniques. These are more often used by chiropractors.
What are the benefits and risks?
OMT works well to relieve pain and help the body work better, especially for joints and muscles. OMT also helps the body move more freely and encourages the body's ability to heal itself.
OMT rarely causes harm. But it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have and what type of OMT might be right for you.
Keep in mind that you may need more than one treatment to see benefits, and you may feel sore or tired after treatment.