Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment or OMT is the "hands-on" treatment of muscle, joint, and soft tissue dysfunctions and their related blood vessel, circulatory system, and nervous system problems. In Osteopathy, we call these problems we treat "somatic dysfunctions," which literally means body malfunction. Somatic dysfunctions must be treatable by OMT.
Demonstration Videos of Osteopathic Diagnosis and Treatment
About the History of Osteopathic Manipulation
OMT was initially described by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO., but Dr. Still liked to consider himself as the re-discoverer of a Truth. That Truth being the role of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease, as well as the interaction of body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Still worked for many years defining how OMT may be used to help people in need. He founded the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri in 1892. Osteopathic physicians practice the full range of medical care in the United States and in several countries throughout the world. Currently, there are over 50 osteopathic college campuses in the United States. Worldwide, there are several other schools teaching the principles of Osteopathy and how to practice manipulation. Most of these schools do not teach medicine like the training American Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine receive. The difference between OMT and OMTh may be only the letters behind the clinician's name, and/or it may have more to do with the philosophy and the way the OMT is applied.