Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT) is increasingly sought out by patients experiencing chronic pain. OMT is known to influence and alter biomechanical, and neurophysiologic (to do with the nervous system) factors via anatomical and physiological interconnections. The application of osteopathic manual techniques require a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and physiology and, based on osteopathic principles, use that knowledge to mobilize and influence the patient’s body.
The 4 main principals of OMT are:
- the body is a functional unit (i.e. each part has multiple relationships to other parts, and therefore must be treated as a unit),
- structure and function are reciprocally related (if the structure is impaired, the function is affected and vice versa),
- The Rule of the Artery is Absolute (when blood and lymphatics flow freely, the tissues can perform their physiologic functions),
- The Body has an innate capacity to heal.
Osteopathy is a philosophy rather than a specific modality. This means that there are no set treatment protocols for any injury or condition. An osteopath will use their hands to assess for the structure and function of fascia and soft tissues, nerves and cerebrospinal fluid, joints and bones, veins and arteries, lymphatics and viscera. Manual techniques are then applied from an osteopathic perspective, to restore normal free flow and action in and to the affected structures.
Many people seek osteopathic care initially for general musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, hip, knee or ankle problems, headaches, or other common aches and pains. However, since osteopathic manual therapy encompasses a very broad range of evaluation and manual approaches, it may be effective for many different health concerns. Research has shown positive results with OMT for conditions such as:
Arthritis
Asthma
Anxiety
Bell’s Palsy
Concussion
Degenerative disc and joint disease
Ear infections
Fibromyalgia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Migraines
Pregnancy and childbirth
Colic/ feeding problems
Reflux
Tendonitis
TMJ