Osteopathic physicians have one tool for healing and preventing illness in patients that other physicians don't -- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, or OMT.

DO's believe that all of the body's systems, including the musculoskeletal system, work together and that disturbances in one system may impact function elsewhere in the body. They also believe that the body is inherently capable of healing itself, though it must constantly fight physical, emotional, chemical, and nutritional "stressors" to maintain a state of wellness.

Once an osteopathic physician has ruled out non-mechanical causes for a patient's illness or injury (through blood and urine testing, x-rays, etc.), he or she may use OMT, a hands-on manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. DO's use OMT to diagnose, treat, and even prevent injuries and illness. And, when appropriate, they use OMT in conjunction with (or in place of) medicine or surgery.

Manipulative medicine is commonly associated with lower-back pain, but this far-reaching form of treatment can also relieve the musculoskeletal problems associated with numerous disorders, including asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual pain, sinus disorder, and migraines.

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