Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)
Receive gentle, precise osteopathic manipulation care to heal pain, restore postural balance, and enhance well-being at every stage of life.
What is Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy?
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) is a hands-on treatment approach that stems from Osteopathic Medicine (OMM), a medical practice founded by Dr. A.T. Still in the late 1800s. Dr. Still, a physician and surgeon, coined the term osteopathy in 1874. His goal was to focus on treating the whole body rather than just treating symptoms. He believed that the body has the ability to heal itself, when its bony structure is properly aligned and soft tissue imbalances are eliminated.
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy involves using a series of gentle hands-on techniques to improve mobility, relieve pain, and support the body’s ability to heal itself naturally. It can be used to address a variety of health issues, especially those related to pain, inflammation, and impaired joint mobility. Due to the high level of post-graduate training involved in providing OMT, and the basic Osteopathic principle of always working with the body, these techniques never cause pain.
Principles of Osteopathy
Osteopaths use hands-on treatment to encourage the body’s natural healing processes before recommending medications or surgeries. This approach reduces the risk of side effects and promotes long-term wellness.
Osteopathy is based on the following fundamental principles to ensure that healing is supported, without undue stress on the individual being treated:
- The body has the ability to heal itself
Osteopathy emphasizes the body’s natural ability to self-heal. When the body’s systems (muscles, joints, organs) are balanced and functioning correctly, the body can recover from injuries or illnesses more efficiently. - Structure and function are closely connected
When an organ or joint is in proper alignment, it functions well. Osteopathic practitioners aim to correct any misalignments to restore normal function. For example, when your pelvis is aligned, it not only supports your posture but also aids digestion and reproductive health. - The body, mind, and spirit are interconnected and inseparable parts of our being. To truly heal an individual, it is necessary to understand the impact illness has on the mind, body, and spirit of the person, and treat them all.
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy at Pelvic Soul
What Conditions Do We Treat with Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy?
Our practitioners treat a wide range of conditions with Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy, primarily focusing on pelvic health and gut issues. We also support wellness clients of all ages who seek our care to avoid injury & illness, and remain at their healthiest self. Here are some common conditions we address:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Unlike other pelvic floor therapy practitioners who only focus on muscular healing; we treat both the muscles and the organs in the pelvis to ensure quicker and lasting recovery.
- Digestive disorders: Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy can alleviate pain, cramping, abnormal bowel movements, and bloating from conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s, Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis.
- Joint pain: We offer relief for pain in any joint, from head to toe. Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy can be used to treat a variety of joint issues like TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), frozen shoulder, chronic knee pain and plantar fasciitis.
- Sports performance: Many athletes benefit from Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy to optimize movement, prevent injuries, and enhance recovery time.
- Postpartum and Breastfeeding Support: Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy is an invaluable tool for postpartum recovery. Our therapists use techniques like lymphatic drainage, uterine massage, and myofascial release for core recovery to help mothers return to pre-pregnancy health. We also offer treatments to baby myofascial release to decrease jaw & neck tension to enhance breastfeeding success. We also support breast cancer survivors to heal better and decrease pain from mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgeries.
What Are the Treatment Methods Used in Osteopathy?
At Pelvic Soul, our licensed occupational therapy and physical therapy professionals have advanced certifications in osteopathic manipulative therapy techniques. While we use Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy primarily for pelvic floor dysfunction and gut health conditions, it is also a highly effective treatment for joint-based conditions, and general health and wellness.
Here are some of the techniques we use:
- Myofascial Release
This technique focuses on releasing tension in the fascia. Fascia is a flexible webbing-like cover that wraps around all our muscles & organs. Illness, injury, or surgery to an area causes scars and restrictions in this tissue leading to pain, movement restriction, and impaired organ function. By freeing up these restrictions we reduce pain and restore the normal function of the organ or joint. This is particularly useful for people with chronic pain and chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Visceral Mobilization
Visceral mobilization involves gentle mobilization of the body’s internal organs. It can help improve digestion, decrease bloating, alleviate pain & cramping, and even enhance fertility. Watch our therapist provide gentle mobilizations to the uterus to improve fertility below.
- Lymphatic Drainage
This therapy technique encourages the movement of lymph fluid through the body, helping to reduce swelling, eliminate toxins, and support the immune system. Lymphatic pooling and congestion can occur as a response to injury, chronic inflammation, or fluid overload. Draining and helping lymph recirculate decreases discomfort and support overall body function.
- Joint Manipulation
Joint manipulation involves carefully moving joints of the skull, pelvis, and limbs to restore mobility and function.
This can be especially beneficial for athletes to optimize recovery from strenuous sports, and for individuals with joint pain. Check out this CrossFit athlete’s joint manipulation video.
FAQs
What is Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy?
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy is a set of hands-on techniques designed to improve the body’s structure and function.
How can Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy help with pelvic health?
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy addresses both the muscles and organs of the pelvis, offering relief for conditions like pelvic pain, incontinence, and prolapse.
Who can practice Osteopathy?
Osteopaths are licensed medical professionals in Europe and Canada who diagnose and treat illness with manipulative medicine. They cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery like the Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) in the U.S. In the U.S., licensed professionals like Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Massage Therapists can take continuing education to learn the skills necessary to perform Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy. This is different from Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine which is practiced by Doctors of Osteopathy (DO).
Is Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy safe during pregnancy?
Yes, Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy can be very beneficial during pregnancy to relieve back pain, reduce swelling, and improve overall comfort. OMT can also help with optimal baby positioning to allow for an easier labor and delivery experience.
Do I need a referral for OMT?
You don’t need a referral to see us for OMT. Simply book an appointment to begin your wellness journey.
How often should I have Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy sessions?
This varies based on your individual condition, but most people benefit from regular sessions to maintain optimal health.
Note on Osteopathic Medicine
Pelvic Soul doesn’t provide Osteopathic Medicine services. Our providers are licensed occupational therapy and physical therapy professionals, with additional advanced post-professional certifications in osteopathic manipulation therapy. To find a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) near you please follow this link – https://findado.osteopathic.org/