Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) utilizes the body’s musculoskeletal system to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury. It is an entire assessment of the body, as it is important for the body’s anatomy to be in top shape and bones to be in the proper position for optimal function. The approach and philosophy of OMT encompasses the entire body and patient for a holistic therapy.

This approach has been shown to benefit patients of all ages. Quite literally a “hands-on” approach, OMT is recommended and diagnosed to help your body function better as a whole by keeping the musculoskeletal system in alignment, and thus prevent your health condition from worsening.

OMT can treat a variety of different conditions, mainly those that fall under the category of musculoskeletal injuries and pain. However, this type of therapy can also help neurologic conditions. The most common conditions treated by OMT include:

• Chronic pain
• Musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, neck pain, or overall joint pain
• Headaches
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Digestive problems
• Traumatic injuries

OMT has also been shown to treat general medical conditions such as sore throat, headaches, ear infections, and constipation. Be sure to share your health history before starting this therapy, so we can see if it is the best approach.

By helping restore structural imbalances in your bones and muscles, OMT improves nerve and blood circulation to the organ involved. For instance, if you are looking to treat asthma, OMT will improve the health of the chest and ribs to help breathing. Realigning and restoring the balance to your body allows for better function as a whole.

In regards to chronic pain therapy, OMT can address structural problems in the joints, muscles, and tissues. Many people use OMT to relieve back pain in particular. This holistic therapy soothes tight muscles to relieve joint stiffness and improve your range of motion. OMT can also increase circulation. This helps reduce pain as any damaged or stiff muscles receive oxygen filled blood needed to begin the healing process. Last, by improving how your body works overall, OMT can prevent future health problems.

Although OMT and physical therapy share similarities, the two therapies are not the same. Some OMT techniques resemble those used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists, but there are some techniques unique only to osteopathic physicians. Furthermore, osteopathic manipulation treats soft tissue surrounding the joints (and in back pain, the spine) whereas chiropractors focus mainly on the bones.

A key difference between osteopathic manipulation therapy versus other forms of therapy is that osteopathic physicians apply comprehensive medical training. As always, the focus of therapy at Greenberg Regenerative Medicine will go beyond a simple spinal or joint alignment to directly deal with the physiology of your entire body. Dr. Sadek will provide a comprehensive diagnostic and therapy strategy to reduce chronic pain as much as possible.

Prior to your consultation, it is imperative to share any information about sleep habits, activity level, diet, mental health, and past or existing conditions. It is especially important to share your history regarding chronic pain therapy. This creates a picture to see how your lifestyle connects to your well-being or current condition. Then, Dr. Sadek will begin the examination by touching or pressing on different parts of your body. An X-ray or MRI may be required depending on symptoms. During the process of osteopathic manipulation, you will stand up, sit, or lie down on an exam table.

There are a variety of OMT techniques that can be used to cater to your chronic pain. One such technique Dr. Sadek uses is called variable force technique (VFT) which causes no traumatic impact to the musculoskeletal system or joints. This therapy is especially helpful for elderly patients or people in frail conditions. While you’re in these positions, Dr. Sadek will apply gentle pressure to your soft tissue to manipulate and properly align your joints. While the movements may feel strange or awkward, nothing should hurt. If you feel any pain or discomfort during the OMT procedure, notify Dr. Sadek immediately.

Following OMT, you may feel sore for a day or two. Whereas some people feel tired after the procedure, others may feel energized. Regardless of the aftermath, you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush toxins from the muscles. In addition, you should avoid rigorous physical activity for 24 hours so your body can rest. The extent of any physical activity should be a short walk to help your body adjust to proper alignment and balance. Adhere to these suggestions after each OMT session.

For more information, set up a consultation with Dr. Sadek today.