Is Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment Right for Your Patient? What Clinicians Should Know

Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on method used by fully licensed physicians called Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs. This treatment is based on the core beliefs of osteopathic medicine, which focuses on how the structure and function of the body are closely linked. At 417 Integrative Medicine, we recognize the growing interest among clinicians in whether osteopathic manipulation treatment is the right fit for their patients. The answer depends on many factors, including the patient’s condition, treatment goals, and openness to a manual, hands-on approach.

OMT is used to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders. It can help reduce pain, improve function, and support the body’s natural ability to heal. Understanding when to use osteopathic manipulative techniques and how they work is key for any clinician.

Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment: How It Works

Osteopathic manipulative treatment involves the use of gentle pressure, resistance, and stretching to treat problems in the muscles and joints. This is part of a larger field known as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), which is based on osteopathic principles and practice. These principles focus on the belief that the body has a natural tendency toward good health and that structure and function are closely connected.

OMT is used by osteopathic physicians to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. These can include back pain, neck pain, low back pain, headaches, sports injuries, joint stiffness, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Through careful hands-on diagnosis and treatment, DOs aim to restore balance, support blood flow, and help the body recover.

The techniques used in OMT are based on special training that DOs receive during osteopathic medical school. These include muscle energy, myofascial release, soft tissue work, lymphatic drainage, diaphragm release, high-velocity low-amplitude techniques, and others. Each approach targets the muscles, joints, fascia, connective tissue, and even the lymphatic system to help improve function and reduce pain.

The Difference Between OMT, Chiropractic, and Allopathic Care

Although OMT and chiropractic care both use hands-on techniques, they are not the same. Chiropractic often focuses on spinal adjustments only. In contrast, osteopathic manipulation uses a variety of manipulative therapy methods throughout the whole body, not just the spine. These include gentle pressure and resistance-based techniques that are often less forceful than traditional chiropractic adjustments.

OMT is also different from what is typically found in allopathic medicine. Allopathic physicians may focus more on medication and surgery. Osteopathic medical care adds an extra layer of manual therapy that complements traditional approaches. That said, both DOs and MDs are fully licensed to practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medications. The main difference is that DOs are trained to use osteopathic manipulative treatment and practice a more holistic approach.

The Role of the Osteopathic Physician

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are trained in osteopathic principles and practice, including manipulative therapy. They go through osteopathic medical school, which includes hundreds of extra hours learning about the musculoskeletal system, hands-on techniques, and how to apply gentle pressure to tissues and joints.

DOs learn how to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions by examining posture, movement, fascia, and connective tissue. They are trained to consider the whole patient — body, mind, and spirit — which is part of the holistic approach that is unique to osteopathic medicine.

OMT is a hands-on way to support the body’s natural tendency to heal itself. Through manual techniques, an osteopathic physician helps restore proper movement, ease restrictions in soft tissues, and support lymphatic flow.

When to Use Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment

Clinicians should consider using osteopathic manipulation treatment when a patient presents with symptoms like back pain, neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, or limited range of motion. OMT can also be helpful in treating conditions related to sports injuries, repetitive strain, joint stiffness, and tension headaches.

Some patients seek OMT as a non-invasive way to treat musculoskeletal disorders when other treatments haven’t worked. Others prefer the hands-on approach and want to avoid medication when possible. OMT can also support the healing process after illness or injury by improving movement and restoring balance.

The treatment is often used in fields like sports medicine, internal medicine, family medicine, and obstetrics. Many DOs use osteopathic manipulative medicine alongside other treatments, including medications, physical therapy, and exercise programs.

Key OMT Techniques and Their Use

Osteopathic manipulative treatment includes many techniques designed to work with the body’s natural systems. Myofascial release works on fascia and connective tissues to relieve tension and improve blood flow. Muscle energy involves the patient’s own muscle effort to help stretch and lengthen tissues. Soft tissue techniques apply gentle pressure to relax muscles and reduce stiffness. Lymphatic drainage supports immune function and promotes fluid movement. Diaphragm techniques improve breathing and support core function. High-velocity, low-amplitude methods can help restore motion in restricted joints.

All of these OMT techniques are used with the goal of restoring health, reducing pain, and supporting the body’s ability to heal. The treatment is always adjusted based on the patient’s condition, preferences, and comfort level.

Referring for OMT: What Clinicians Should Know

If you are considering referring a patient for osteopathic manipulation, it helps to understand how it fits into their overall care. OMT should not replace other necessary treatments. It works best when used alongside standard care plans. It can reduce the need for pain medications, especially in cases of low back pain or musculoskeletal discomfort.

Before making a referral, consider whether the patient is comfortable with a hands-on approach. Explain that OMT involves manual techniques, not machines or devices, and that DOs are trained to practice medicine with this added layer of treatment.

Look for signs that the patient may benefit from OMT. These could include ongoing musculoskeletal pain, limited motion, past sports injuries, and other physical complaints that have not responded well to allopathic treatment. Also, consider if the patient is seeking a holistic option or asking about alternative therapies.

Discover the Right Approach for Your Patients

At 417 Integrative Medicine, we offer Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as part of a complete care plan. Our licensed osteopathic physicians use gentle, hands-on techniques to support healing, reduce pain, and restore movement.

Whether you’re a clinician looking to refer or a healthcare provider wanting to learn more, we’re here to support you.

Arrange a call with our team to discuss how OMT can fit into your patient care plans. 

417BOOM
1920 E Meadowmere Street, Springfield, MO 65804
417-619-5056
https://417boom.com/