Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Hands-on musculoskeletal treatments to improve body function

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)?

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine is a medical treatment system that evaluates the body as a unit by understanding the connections between the body’s structure and function.  Using his or her eyes and a hands-on technique called palpitation, an osteopathic physician assesses the health of the body including joints, ligaments, tissue, fascia, arteries, nerves and more.  After assessing the body, the physician will create a treatment plan that typically includes the use of several treatment techniques.  

How was OMM developed?

This treatment philosophy was developed by A.T. Still, a physician, in the 1890’s, during a time in which medicines often did more harm than good.  He found that by working with the body he was able to promote the body to heal itself without more invasive medicines/procedures.  Today osteopathic treatment plays in essential role in health and wellness for people of all ages.

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?

Technically Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is the hands-on treatment provided by a physician who is practicing Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM).  However, typically OMT and OMM are terms that are used interchangeably.  Treatments improve whole-body function and encourage the body’s self-healing capabilities.  Please see the list of treatment techniques below for more information on specific techniques.

What treatment techniques are used?

Hands-on treatments involve the manipulation of soft tissue including, stretching, pressure and gentle massage.  Treatment techniques can be used alone or in combination.  The most common treatment techniques used in OMM/OMT are:

• Fascial Distortion Model
• Trigger Point Therapy
• Cranial Osteopathy
• Joint Injections
• Visceral Manipulation
• Myofascial Release
• Counterstrain
• Muscle Energy
• HVLA (popping)

What are the benefits of OMM/ OMT?

OMM/OMT improves the function, decreases the duration, the frequency, and the intensity of pain.  Osteopathic manipulative treatments can positively impact all body systems.   Once the body is functioning better, it is able to heal, and pain/symptoms decrease or resolve all together.  

Utilizing OMM can delay or avoid more invasive surgeries. Chronic issues typically require several visits.  

Healing may take the form of:

• Less frequent and debilitating headaches requiring fewer prescribed medications.
• Improved range of motion in the neck/back/shoulder/knee
• Decreased nerve pain from a pinched nerve or a herniated disk.  
• Decreased childhood ear infections, which means less antibiotics.  
• Delay or avoidance of surgery

What conditions are commonly treated with OMM/OMT?

OMM was developed as a complete care methodology, therefore, a huge range of illnesses, trauma and ailments can be managed and improved with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.

 The list below is by no means all encompassing.  Dr. Keene will address your unique situation with a hands-on assessment.  If you are unsure if OMM if right for you, please contact our office.  

Adolescents & Adults

• Headaches & migraines
• Sinus congestion
• Ear aches
• Neck pain, including whiplash or workstrain
• Pneumonia & respiratory issues
• Abdominal pain
• Cardiovascular problems
• Chronic back, neck, knee, shoulder pain
• Digestive issues (including IBS & constipation)
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Back pain, including sciatica/radiculopathy
• Scoliosis
• Structural abnormalities   
• Jaw pain (TMJ)
• Joint restriction & misalignment
• Foot, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrom
• Muscle & tissue balance    
• Neurologic disorder support
• Menstrual pain
• Injuries
• And more . . .

Pediatric Patients: Newborns to Children

• Acute Otitis Media/Ear infections
• Colic
• Conjunctivitis
• Digestive Issues (including colic & reflux)
• Plagiocephaly
• Torticollis
• Nursing/Latching problems
• Growing pains
• Scoliosis

Pregnancy and Postpartum

• Pelvic pain
• Back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Post-partum recovery

Sports Injuries

• Acute and chronic sprains and strains
• Tennis/golfer elbow
• Pain associated with fractures, dislocations, muscle, ligament and tendon tears, strains and sprains