A doctor of osteopathic medicine Cary, NC uses manual, hands-on treatment techniques to improve your natural circulation, fix musculoskeletal problems, and alleviate your pain. This type of treatment is called Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) and can be used to improve a wide range of symptoms without surgery or medication. In most cases, it is used to treat lower back pain and other chronic conditions. Let’s discuss OMT, what to expect during the procedure, and what it treats.
What Is OMT?
OMT, or osteopathic manipulative surgery, is a hands-on treatment approach used to diagnose, treat, and prevent several conditions. During the treatment, a DO or doctor of osteopathic medicine uses different techniques to manipulate, move, and stretch your joints and muscles. These techniques are usually categorized as follows:
- Direct: These techniques move your tissues and muscles through barriers to your range of motion through direct manipulation.
- Indirect: These techniques place your body in positions of ease.
- Combined: These methods combine direct and indirect OMT techniques.
OMT techniques involve your provider moving your limbs into different positions, applying pressure to them, stretching your joints, and more. The movements could be slow or fast and the pressure sudden or continuous. Whatever the case, OMT should never be painful.
Who Is a Good Candidate for OMT?
Because OMT is often used to treat chronic pain, people with neck pain or lower back pain are great candidates. It is also highly beneficial to pregnant women and can help them deal with lower back and pelvic pain during and after pregnancy. You can also receive OMT for other conditions, including:
- Pregnancy-related problems like pelvic girdle pain
- Migraines and headaches
- Chronic pain
- Musculoskeletal problems like neck pain, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia (when combined with medication).
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which covers emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
- Asthma
What to Expect from the Procedure
Before your procedure, your DO will perform a physical test and medical review to determine your needs and create a personalized treatment regimen. You may be asked to sit, stand, or lie on an examination table during OMT. Your DO will then perform one or more of these techniques to manipulate your body:
- High-Velocity Thrusts – These are short, sharp movements of parts of your body. They may cause clicking noises.
- Articulation – This involves moving your joints through their natural range of motion.
- Stretching to relax stiff joints.
- Massage to relax your muscles.
You may experience soreness or stiffness after your OMT treatment but this should resolve in a while. Always notify your DO if you experience any pain. In most cases, you will be advised to remain hydrated, avoid strenuous physical activities for 24 hours, and take a short stroll after your treatment.
Holistic treatments like OMT are an effective approach to musculoskeletal problems and chronic pain. If you are interested in the benefits of osteopathic manipulation, contact the team at Generations Family Practice. The family medicine experts here will help improve your quality of life, naturally reduce pain, and correct imbalances in your body without addictive pain medications and invasive treatments. Schedule an appointment online today to learn more or call the Cary, North Carolina office.
