How can OMT help you?
Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is a hands-on therapeutic method that can help with many conditions, including acute or chronic pain. You may have heard of OMT or know someone who’s received it.
Bayhealth physician Mable Tsui, DO, is board certified in family medicine and osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine. With her specialized training, she offers OMT and primary care services at the Bayhealth Primary Care Smyrna practice. She shares how OMT works and is useful for a variety of reasons.
Who is OMT suitable for? People who may benefit include those suffering from pain after injuries, neck pain, back pain, headaches and migraines. OMT can also help with pregnancy-related ailments such as low back and pelvic pain. OMT can be applied to patients of all ages.
Who performs OMT? Doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, are one of two types of licensed physicians in the U.S. They take a whole-person approach to care. They also have additional training in OMT to evaluate and treat many kinds of medical problems.
What should I expect with OMT? During your visit, the physician will discuss your medical history and any imaging you’ve had done. They will do a physical examination to check your posture, range of motion and any dysfunction in your structural system. OMT involves several treatment methods, including gentle pressure, stretching, and active resistance to the body’s muscles, joints and soft tissue. It is generally well tolerated, though some people may feel sore afterward.
How can OMT help with pain? OMT is a great option for acute or chronic pain. It can complement or even replace medication in certain cases. Some people get OMT as part of an overall care plan involving other specialists and strategies such as exercise, medication, yoga, tai chi, mindfulness and meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
“OMT is a safe and effective way to treat many conditions with the ultimate goal of reducing people’s pain, and improving their function and quality of life,” said Tsui.
