What is osteopathic manipulative treatment?
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) uses a “hands-on” approach to identify the causes of pain and other symptoms as well as to provide some treatments or adjustments to relieve symptoms. The technique involves palpating muscles, joints and soft tissues in resting position and during movement to check for any signs of abnormality in the tissues as well as learn about pain associated with specific types of motions.
How is osteopathic manipulation performed?
During your exam, Dr. Rao will begin by discussing your symptoms and asking you about any recent activities or injuries that might be causing them. Depending on your symptoms and the location of your pain, Dr. Rao will thoroughly evaluate joints, tendons, ligaments and other structures using gentle stretching and resistance techniques to determine which types of movements cause symptoms to occur. During your exam, he may also use techniques to assess the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which can also play a role in many symptoms and acute and chronic conditions. Once the source of the symptoms has been located, Dr. Rao will determine the best way to treat your condition. In some cases, he may be able to apply techniques during your exam to relieve joint pressure, encourage proper drainage of the lymphatic system, and restore balance and alignment to help relieve or eliminate symptoms and speed healing.
What kinds of conditions can osteopathic manipulation treat?
Osteopathic manipulative treatment can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
In some cases, OMT can reduce or eliminate the need for medication and other treatments, and it can also be used proactively to prevent minor issues from developing into serious medical conditions.
