Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), also known as Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT), is a non-invasive, manual therapy that is used to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury or illness. It involves applying gentle pressure and movement to stretch muscle, soft tissue, and joints for proper alignment and requires a keen understanding of the body’s musculoskeletal system.

The manual and energetic approach utilized in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine helps patients cut back on medication and avoid unnecessary surgeries. When incorporated into an individualized and comprehensive treatment plan your healing is likely to be much faster and more complete.

Conditions that can benefit from OMM/OMT include:

• low back pain
• neck pain
• tension headaches
• osteoarthritis
• tendonitis
• knee pain
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• migraines
• asthma
• sinus disorders
• middle-ear infections
• gastrointestinal disorders that present with visceral pain (ex. IBS, Colitis/Crohn’s, Sibo)

OMM/OMT and the musculoskeletal system

The musculoskeletal system (muscle tissue and bone) serves to protect our vital organs and to provide the mechanics for locomotion (its discrete function), but it simultaneously interacts with, responds to, and supports the body’s other complex organ systems (its “interactive” functions). In other words, the body’s bones and muscles literally form an integrated, interactive framework that supports the proper functioning of all of the body’s organs.

For maximum wellness, you need a healthy musculoskeletal framework so that all your other systems (for example, the circulatory, neurological and hormonal systems) can function optimally. The reverse is also true.

Under the osteopathic model, illness and pain indicate that the musculoskeletal system is out of balance, and recovery from disease depends upon restoring the functioning of this system. In sum, optimal functioning of the musculoskeletal system is essential to resolving disease and maintaining good health.

All of the Center’s physicians are trained in a variety of manual medicine techniques, such as muscle energy, craniosacral, fascial-release (including the “Jones Technique”), and active manipulation techniques.

For more information about how the Kaplan Center diagnoses musculoskeletal problems, please click here.