Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) can be an effective and practical treatment option for multiple health conditions. Osteopathy is generally associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Doctors specializing in osteopathy adopt a more hands-on approach when compared to standard treatment options.
If you are worried about experiencing structural imbalances or irregular circulation in your body and causing pain, you should consult a doctor of osteopathic medicine Cary, NC. Doctors of osteopathy can help an individual by providing relief from pain, enhanced blood circulation, and much more. It would help to read this article below to learn more about osteopathic manipulation.
What is osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT)?
OMT is a hands-on medical technique that manipulates or moves an individual’s joints and muscles. Joints and muscles may be moved and manipulated to improve the overall condition of a particular body part. OMT can be employed to diagnose and prevent certain health conditions.
OMT is used for treating chronic pain. For example, you should consider osteopathic manipulation therapy if you experience frequent lower back pain. Osteopathic (DOs) medicine doctors employ OMT to improve an individual’s body function.
The main objective behind OMT is to apply gentle pressure to the area where manipulation of joints or muscles is needed. OMT uses multiple techniques to manipulate soft tissues, joints, and muscles. It allows the body to heal by ensuring the proper alignment of bones and muscles.
OMT is generally considered by people who experience lower back pain. People of any age can benefit from OMT. Babies, children, and adults can consider OMT if they experience body structure problems. You will be surprised to know that babies going through colic can achieve significant relief from OMT.
What are the different types of OMT treatments?
Several DOs adapt different types of OMT treatment techniques to diagnose a problem. Hands-on treatment, known for diagnosing, treating, and preventing multiple health conditions, ranges into three types.
However, every method will revolve around basic techniques such as moving, stretching, or manipulating. The three main types of OMT treatments are mentioned below:
- Direct
Direct OMT methods employ activating force to manipulate and move tissues. Under this technique, tissues may be moved by the activating force via barriers known as range-of-motion.
- Indirect
Indirect methods do not make use of any activating force. However, these methods place the body in a position that causes ease and relief. The body’s position is manipulated to relieve discomfort in certain positions or movements of the body.
- Combined
Combined OMT methods employ the use of both techniques. Combined OMT treatment uses direct and indirect techniques by placing the body in an eased form and using an activating force to provide relief.
The doctor employing any OMT treatment will move the patient’s limbs according to the position of ease. Apart from changing the positions of the patient, the DO may also apply minimal and gentle pressure to manipulate the patient’s body’s tissues, muscles, or joints.