Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
What Is A DO?
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who practice in all specialties of medicine. Emphasizing a whole-person approach to treatment and care, DOs are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well. During their four-year medical school, in addition to taking the same classes as their MD counterparts, they receive additional specialized training in the musculoskeletal system, your body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles, fascia and bones. By combining this knowledge and skill in diagnosing and treating their patients with their hands along with the latest advances in medical technology such as functional and regenerative medicine, they offer patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine. There are more than 121,000 DOs practicing their distinct philosophy throughout the U.S. With approximately 25% of medical students enrolled in colleges of osteopathic medicine, the profession is one of the fastest-growing segments of health care. Osteopathic physicians focus on prevention, tuning into how a patient’s lifestyle and environment can impact their wellbeing and healing. DOs strive to help you be truly healthy in mind, body and spirit – not just free of symptoms.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): Hands-On Care
Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is a technique used by DOs to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using OMT, a DO moves a patient’s muscles, joints, fascia and other structures using techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure and resistance to improve dysfunction in the structures, thereby improving pain, functionality, blood flow, nerve signaling, strength and performance. During their education, DOs receive advanced training in the musculoskeletal system, which provides a keen understanding of how the body’s systems are interconnected and how each one affects the others. OMT can complement, or even replace, drugs or surgery. When applied and performed properly, OMT is a powerful tool, and therefore we believe that the inclusion of OMT should be standard of care in maintaining or restoring health and wellness.
Benefits of OMT
- Relieve joint pain & restriction
- Improve structural & tissue dysfunction
- Restore muscle & tissue balance (ligaments, tendons, fascia)
- Improve muscle activation, recruitment, strength, power & mobility
- Promote overall movement of blood flow & lympthatic flow throughout the body to improve health & wellness
- Promote healing & recovery
- Increase overall mobility & vitality
- Improved sense of well-being & mood
- Heightened sense of awareness
- Improved sleep
- Reduced stress & anxiety
- Improved digestion
- Reduced inflammation
- Lowered blood pressure
- Improved mental clarity & performance
OMT For Pain Relief
Just as there are multiple types of pain, there are a wide variety of treatment options. One of which includes hands-on techniques like OMT, which has been clinically proven to provide pain relief for a number of disorders.
OMT is routinely used as a stand-alone treatment as well as to supplement our regenerative treatments for improved outcomes. In our experience, patients who receive OMT in addition to other forms of treatment, including physical therapy, prolotherapy, or PRP experience greater relief from their pain with accelerated recovery.
Our patients have experienced great results with OMT for:
- migraines & headaches
- neck & back pain/stiffness (including SIJ pain)
- joint pain
- sciatica
- back & hip pain during pregnancy
- muscle strains or spasms
- ..and many more!
What To Expect With Treatments?
After an examination to determine the dysfunctional segments and key areas needed to be corrected, Dr John Broussard will gently use a combination of techniques to restore proper alignment. Much of this involves soft tissue work which will feel like massage and stretching. The treatments are not painful and are very effective. Although most patients experience some immediate relief, the full benefits are not experienced until 1-2 days later as your body becomes accustomed to the improved tissue changes.
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