About Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is used to improve the impaired or altered function of the musculoskeletal system (somatic dysfunction). OMT was first practiced by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., the founder of modern osteopathic medicine.

Osteopathic manipulative treatments involve a wide variety of techniques applied to the musculoskeletal system. These techniques can be applied to the joints, their surrounding soft tissues and fluids, muscles, nerves and membranes (fascia). OMT is intended to be used in conjunction with mainstream treatments when it is deemed appropriate. It is rarely used as a primary treatment regimen, unless the D.O. is absolutely certain that the patient’s problems are a result of a musculoskeletal/somatic dysfunction. OMT is not limited to any specific individual,strain or disease process. Anyone can benefit from osteopathic manipulative treatment, as it addresses the musculoskeletal or mechanical components of a disease or complaint.

At the heart of osteopathy is in the recognition of the body's ability to cure itself, with some help. Therefore, when assessing the patient, the osteopathic physician considers the body as an integrated unit, comprised of multiple complex functions and interrelated structures.

The osteopathic profession has changed, even as it has grown. It has achieved recognition as a significant part of the American health care system. It is now carefully defining its special contributions to medicine and is undertaking various kinds of research to prove the effectiveness of its manipulative techniques. With these and similar steps toward full realization of the potential of osteopathic medicine, the profession is securing its position in the modern medical climate.

OMT = Hands-On Care
OMT requires a specially trained physician to use his/her hands to diagnose, treat and prevent illness and/or injury. Using OMT, your osteopathic physician (D.O.) will help to restore balance and healthy function to your muscles, joints, membranes and fluids using multiple gentle and often soothing techniques.

Some techniques used in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) are:

  • Balanced ligamentous tension (BLT)
  • Cranial Osteopathy/ Osteopathy In The Cranial Field (OCF)
  • Ligamentous Articular Strain (LAS)
  • Strain Counter Strain (SCS)
  • Facilitated Positional Release (FPR)
  • Myofascial Release (MFR)
  • Active Release Technique (ART)
  • Visceral Manipulation (VIS)
  • Muscle Energy (ME)
  • High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA)

The immediate goal of musculoskeletal manipulation is to restore maximal, pain-free movement of the musculoskeletal system and postural balance.