Osteopathic Manual Medicine
Osteopathic Manual Medicine, or OMM, is a form of treatment based on the concept that the structure of the human body influences the function. The goal of treatment is to improve the body's structure. This in turn enables the body to function at a higher level of health and may reduce the amount of pain patients experience as well as increase the ability of the body to ward off disease by maintaining a healthy immune system.
OMM is used to restore balance to the whole body. Patients can be active and passive participants in the process.
In addition to treating pain, OMM has been known to help:
- Asthma
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Increase mobility
- Menstrual pain
- Migraines
- Sinus disorders
Treatment Program
The physician will ask questions; perform a physical examination which includes the musculoskeletal system in order to detect any somatic dysfunction (abnormalities such as tenderness, asymmetry, restricted range of motion, and abnormal changes in the muscles, joints, bones or connective tissues).The physician's goal is to locate then reduce or resolve the somatic dysfunction.
Other recommendations may be given to help the somatic dysfunction, such as diet, exercise, stretching regimens, traction, various heat or cold therapies and possibly blood work to evaluate for any underlying metabolic abnormalities or pathology.