Many conditions affect patients’ joints and muscles, limiting movement and thus hindering quality living. Fortunately, your trusted doctor of osteopathic medicine, Cary, NC, can implement specific therapies to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan that will restore structure and function. Moreover, osteopathic manipulations are also great preventative techniques to maintain a patient’s wellness, especially for those with disease risk factors. Patients must seek osteopathic manipulation therapy from doctors of osteopathy, who have undergone comprehensive training and thus understand the body’s musculoskeletal system, and appreciate the various interconnections of nerves, muscles, and bones to perform the correct osteopathic techniques.
What is osteopathic manipulation therapy?
This hands-on treatment technique involves manipulating a person’s muscles and joints to promote various movements and stretches. Doctors usually use these techniques to diagnose, prevent, and treat multiple conditions, like chronic back pain. There are three categories of osteopathic manipulation therapy:
- Direct: These techniques target range of motion barriers. Your doctor will apply force to stimulate cause movement.
- Indirect: There is no force involved in this osteopathic manipulation technique. Physicians usually put a patient’s body in a position of ease.
- Combined: These techniques combine direct and indirect methods.
Osteopathic manipulation therapy should not be a painful experience. For this reason, if you feel any pain during the procedure, it would be wise to let your doctor know. Most physicians apply continuous pressure while causing slow movements. However, it is also common to find physicians who perform quick actions. The type of technique your doctor implements will depend on your condition and desired results.
Who needs osteopathic manipulation therapy?
This treatment is an ideal option for patients with chronic pain. Physicians mainly recommend this treatment for chronic lower back pain and neck pain patients. This treatment is also perfect for pregnant women, especially those experiencing pelvic and lower back pain during and after pregnancy.
What should you expect during osteopathic manipulation therapy?
There are there main parts of the treatment: before, during, and after. Here is what to expect before the treatment:
- Your physician will review your medical and family history to determine any risk factors that rule out osteopathic manipulation therapy as a plausible treatment.
- It would help if you discuss your lifestyle choices, including your diet and physical activity levels, to help your doctor tailor the correct treatment approach.
Depending on the treatment approach developed, your doctor will ask you to stand, sit, or lie on an examination table during the procedure. Doctors’ most common techniques to manipulate a person’s body include massage, stretching, articulation, and high-velocity thrusts. These techniques vary depending on a patient’s symptoms and desires treatment goals.
Osteopathic manipulation therapy will affect patients differently. For this reason, you should expect to experience soreness and stiffness after the treatment, which will resolve after a few days. Ensure to inform your doctor if you feel any pain after the procedure. Physicians usually advise patients to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after their procedure. Contact Generations Family Practice if you consider osteopathic manipulation therapy as a solution for your chronic pain.
