Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine?

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, or OMM, is performed exclusively by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) who receive additional training compared to traditional Medical Doctors (M.D.s) to restore the body’s natural healing process via manipulation. In medicine,
“manipulation” is defined as the therapeutic application of manual pressure or force. D.O.s perform Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

Things to know about OMT:

  • This is the generic term used to refer to many different manipulation techniques
  • It can be used to treat structural and functional issues in the bones, joints, muscles, and other tissues of the body
  • Uses the relationship between the neuromusculoskeletal system and the rest of the body to restore functionality and/or remove barriers to motion and healing
  • Achieves and maintains patient health as part of a whole system of evaluation and treatment
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
  • How can I access OMT?

    Ask your HealthSource of Ohio Clinician for a referral.

  • Is OMT covered under my insurance plan?

    In most cases, YES! Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of treatment. Please contact your health insurance carrier for specific coverage information.

  • What age group Is OMT used in?

    All ages

  • Is OMT painful?

    Patients can experience some discomfort during treatment for certain problems such as acute muscle spasm, and these are often discussed with the patient before treatment is started. Some patients may have mild soreness for a day or two after treatment. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of water and stretch gently after treatment.

  • How is OMT different than chiropractic care?

    Chiropractic treatment focuses on spinal alignment. While OMT not only treats spinal alignment but approaches the body holistically utilizing a wide variety of techniques to address joints, muscle, and soft tissue problems.

  • How should I prepare for my appointment?

    Wear loose-fitting clothing. Make sure to update your doctor on any recent medications tried, including supplements, herbs, and other over-the-counter medications. Avoid wearing bulky accessories.

What are the benefits of OMT?

As one of many tools that D.O.s can utilize to care for patients, OMT:

  • Can be used to treat a wide variety of common conditions, including headaches, migraines, joint pain, stress or overuse injuries, muscle spasm, chronic pain in areas such as the lower back, neck, shoulders and knees
  • Provides a non-invasive and medication-free treatment option for patients
  • Can be performed in many different environments
  • Can be administered safely alone, or in combination with other medical treatments to improve outcomes

What other problems can OMT be used to treat?

  • As mentioned previously chronic pain and musculoskeletal problems are of the most frequent complaints
  • Newborns with feeding issues, torticollis, and head shape abnormalities
  • Chronic swelling
  • TMJ problems
  • Back pain in pregnancy
  • Ear Infection
  • Sports Injuries
  • Pain from Scoliosis
  • Fibromyalgia

Common techniques used in OMT:

  • Articulatory Technique
  • Balanced Ligamentous Tension
  • Chapman Reflex
  • Counterstrain
  • Facilitated Oscillatory Release Technique
  • Facilitated Positional Release
  • Fascial Unwinding
  • High Velocity/Low Amplitude Technique
  • Inhibitory Pressure Technique
  • Ligamentous Articular Strain
  • Lymphatic Pump
  • Mandibular Drainage Technique
  • Muscle Energy
  • Myofascial Release
  • Pedal Pump
  • Soft Tissue Technique
  • Still Technique

Clinicians Specializing in OMT

Tiffany Crider, DO

HealthSource Lebanon Family Practice