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Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
OMT offers a unique approach to diagnose, treat, and help prevent illness and injury through hands-on therapy.
An osteopathic physician (D.O.) uses manual OMT techniques to encourage the body to heal itself. While osteopathic manipulative treatment focuses on the musculoskeletal system, similar to chiropractic care, it is a holistic therapy—healing mind, body and spirit. This unique treatment addresses the root cause of illness or injury rather than just treating the symptoms.
Osteopathic physicians can treat both adults and children using gentle pressure, stretching and other manual techniques.
Benefits of OMT
An osteopathic physician can help you or your child restore natural balance (homeostasis) by re-establishing the integrity of the body as a whole. When the structural foundation is in good health, the body’s functions are more efficient and effective. OMT can:
- Improve circulation
- Reduce pain
- Restore function
- Increase mobility
- Help prevent future illness or injury
OMT may be used to treat a variety of conditions, from migraines and back pain to acid reflux issues and colic in children.
Do I need OMT or chiropractic care?
Both osteopathic physicians and chiropractors use manual techniques to treat musculoskeletal problems, but there are important differences in training and approach. The right choice depends on your needs and preferences:
- If you want a whole-body approach and access to conventional medical care along with hands-on treatment, consider seeing an osteopathic physician.
- If your main concern is spinal health and you prefer a non-medication, non-surgical approach, consider seeing a chiropractor.
Learn more
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How Is Osteopathic Care Different from Chiropractic Care?
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Osteopathic doctors are fully licensed physicians who receive training in the United States in both conventional medicine (like an allopathic physician, or M.D.) and OMT. They can prescribe medication, order diagnostic tests and perform medical procedures.
Osteopathic physicians use a different clinical approach than conventional medicine. They look at the entire body, using a wide range of techniques that may be very gentle or slightly more direct. Care involves integrating OMT with conventional medicine.
While an M.D. physician may also choose to learn OMT techniques, this is not part of their core training in an allopathic medical school.
Also, these designations apply only in the U.S. Osteopaths in other countries, such as Canada, are only trained in OMT.
Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (D.C.)
Chiropractic doctors complete a Doctor of Chiropractic degree with an extensive focus on spinal anatomy and adjustments. They do not prescribe medication or perform surgery. However, they can order X-rays, MRIs and CT scans.
Their clinical approach focuses primarily on spinal health and nervous system function, using targeted spinal adjustments that may involve more force.
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What Conditions Can OMT Treat?
OMT for adults
Osteopathic manipulative treatment can help address many common conditions in adults, including:
- Back or neck pain
- Migraine and tension headaches
- TMJ or jaw pain
- Allergies and asthma
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Arthritis
- Concussions
OMT for children
OMT is also safe and effective for children of all ages. It can help address a variety of conditions, including:
- Colic
- Feeding difficulties
- Torticollis (a stiff neck, also known as wry neck)
- Reflux and digestive issues
- Chronic ear infections
- Asthma and allergies
- Headaches
- Sports injuries
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What Can I Expect During an OMT Visit
In our Center for Integrative Medicine, OMT visits are typically about 40 minutes:
- At your first visit, your osteopathic physician will take a detailed health history, perform a physical assessment and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
- During each OMT session, you will remain fully clothed (except for bulky sweaters or sweatshirts, which will need to be removed).
- During treatment, you will sit or lie on a table while your physician uses light pressure and movement. They will be treating muscles, tissues, bones and joints with safe and gentle manual techniques.
- Throughout the visit, your osteopathic physician will explain these techniques and get your feedback to help minimize any discomfort.
- Many patients find OMT relaxing and notice improvements immediately after the first session.
- At your first visit, your osteopathic physician will take a detailed health history, perform a physical assessment and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.