Sometimes you wake up in the morning and something is just not right. For some unknown reason, your body feels like every bone is creaking, your body has been pushed through the wringer and your back needs some help to get your mobility back. The couch seems like the best place to spend the day, but you need to get going because you have stuff to do. So, you need to see someone as soon as possible. But where do you start and who do you see?
The good news is that an Osteopathic Physician can help you get you back on track and get your body in alignment again.
What exactly is Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy (OMT)?
Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. It is based on the belief that the health of the body’s musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments) is closely connected to the overall health of the body and that manual manipulation of the musculoskeletal system can help to improve overall health and well-being. OMT can positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. Osteopathic doctors, or better known as osteopaths, use a variety of techniques such as manual therapy, stretching and massage to treat their patients.
They may also use pharmaceuticals and other medical interventions when necessary.
How can OMT help you?
Although OMT has been proven to treat back pain very effectively, is also used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Pain in the feet, ankles, hips and knees
- Back pain, neck pain, and sciatica
- Pain in the hands and shoulders and elbows
- Headaches
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Postural problems caused by pregnancy, sports injuries, driving or work-related strain or digestive issues.
- Neuralgia
Is Osteopathy recognized by medical practitioners?
Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy is recognized as a form of medical treatment in many countries around the world, including the United States and Canada. Although OMT is a form of alternative medicine, osteopathic physicians also serve as primary care physicians in fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
What can you expect from an OMT consultation?
During an OMT appointment, the patient may be asked to perform simple stretches and movements for the Osteopathic Physician to accurately assess their posture and mobility. The doctor may also use a technique called palpitation, which involves using touch to evaluate the health of the joints, ligaments, and tissues. Based on the assessment, the osteopath will create a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs. OMT emphasizes the ability of the body to heal itself, so the physician may also recommend dietary changes, exercise programs, and lifestyle adjustments to support the healing process. The manual therapy and hands-on techniques used in osteopathy are generally gentle, but it is common for patients to feel sore for the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment due to the physical nature of the work.
Where can I find an Osteopathic Manipulation Therapist?
Dr. Basedow provides Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy (OMT) and other treatments to improve your joint pain. Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy is a non-surgical approach to relieving joint pain.
Dr. Basedow is the Medical Director at Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center located at 1000 Ashland Drive, Suite 303, Ashland, KY 41101. Dr. Basedow and his staff serve patients in and around Greenup, Worthington, Hamilton, Russell, Raceland, Wurtland, Bellefonte, Ironville, Flatwoods, Ironton, Coal Grove, Westwood, Perry, Catlettsburg, South Point, Ceredo, Fayette, Cannonsburg, Union, Huntington, Westmoreland, Proctorville, East Pea Ridge, and Barboursville.