What Is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
5/13/2024
Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is a specialized branch of healthcare that utilizes hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat and prevent a wide array of medical conditions. It is based on the principles of osteopathic medicine, which views the body as an integrated whole where structure and function are interrelated. OMM practitioners, known as osteopathic physicians (DOs), employ manual therapies to restore musculoskeletal balance and promote the body's innate ability to heal itself.
“I am very happy to be here in Granbury and provide this level of medical care to our community,” states Richard Porter, D.O., osteopathic manipulative medicine physician. “From chronic headaches and digestive disorders to back and joint pain, we have a wide array of treatments that can help people get back to an active lifestyle.”
Osteopathic medicine is founded on several fundamental principles that distinguish it from conventional medical practice:
- The Body is a Unit: This principle recognizes that the body functions as a holistic entity, where all systems are interconnected and influence each other.
- Structure and Function are Interrelated: The relationship between anatomy and physiology is emphasized, acknowledging that abnormalities in structure can impair physiological function and vice versa.
- The Body has Self-Healing and Self-Regulatory Mechanisms: Osteopathic philosophy holds that the body has the innate ability to heal itself given the right conditions.
- Rational Treatment: Osteopathic physicians aim to identify and address the root causes of illness, considering physical, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
OMM can be beneficial in managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including:
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and sports injuries.
- Headaches: Migraines, tension headaches.
- Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Digestive Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Pregnancy-related Pain: Pelvic pain, lower back pain.
- Neurological Conditions: Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome.
Osteopathic physicians integrate OMM into comprehensive patient care plans, alongside conventional medical interventions. By addressing structural imbalances and promoting natural healing processes, OMM can enhance treatment outcomes and improve overall patient wellness.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Porter, please call (817) 573-5983 or visit https://lakegranburymedical.com/RichardPorter.
References:
American Osteopathic Association. (n.d.). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/osteopathic-manipulative-treatment/
Licciardone, J. C., & Gatchel, R. J. (2012). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 13, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-13-129
American Academy of Osteopathy. (n.d.). What is Osteopathic Medicine? https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/what-is-osteopathy
Back