What is Osteopathic Manipulation?

I often get referrals from doctors of osteopaths, or DOs. These physicians perform osteopathic manipulation (OMT), a treatment used to balance muscle mechanics and enhance joint range of motion. I’ve found OMT to be highly effective when joints get stuck or rotated, especially when used for migraines, chronic neck/ lower back pain, or postural dysfunction disorders.

There are numerous manipulation techniques a DO may use. Common forms of manipulation used today include: cranial-sacral release, the classic "thrust" technique, muscle energy, and various types of myofascial release.

But what do people do once they’ve received the osteopathic manipulation? Sometimes clients don’t need to return to their DO for another manipulation, but need to maintain the muscle mechanics that the manipulation has enhanced. This is where manual therapy is important, to maintain and improve the muscle tone that caused the impairment in the first place. As a manual physical therapist, I have a great relationship with many DOs whom I work closely with to keep their clients in good shape. It’s one of the perks of my job, being involved in a team which communicates closely with each other to help our clients live their best life.