What is Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT)?

Osteopathic Manual Therapy is based on four basic principles:

1.Each structure in the body supports the body’s functions.

2.The natural flow of the body’s fluids – lymphatic, vascular and neurological – must be preserved and maintained.

3.The human body is the sum of its parts. Its physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive systems work in harmony.

4.When the body has no restrictions, it has the inherent ability to heal itself.

OSTEOPATHIC MANUAL THERAPY IS COVERED BY SEVERAL EXTENDED HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Who can provide Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT)?

In Canada, Osteopathic education and training can only be obtained through a Diploma of Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP), Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degrees, education, and training are unavailable in Canada.  The only notable difference between D.O. and DOMP licensed practitioners is the authority to diagnose, prescribe medication or perform surgery. However, they may assess and treat patients using an Osteopathic philosophy and manual techniques, just like D.O. licensed practitioners.

Why would I need Osteopathic Manual Therapy(OMT)?

OMT can treat a variety of different types of disorders including but not limited to Acute or Chronic pain, Digestive Problems, Muscle Spasms, Postural Problems & Respiratory Difficulties.  Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (DOMP) recognize a patient as an integrated whole. When all of the body’s components are in balance, a person is in total health. OMT aims to maintain, improve and restore the normal physiological function of interrelated body structures and systems, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Using various manual assessment, treatment techniques and modalities, OMT identify and remove restrictions; pain; reduce swelling; improve tissue mobility; and promote proper function and healing in people of all ages.

What is the difference between Massage Therapy & Osteopathic Manual Therapy?

The difference between Massage Therapy and OMT is the type of manipulations and techniques that are used.  The principles, aims and goals are the same.  OMT offers advanced manual techniques including Counterstain, Fascial Release, Lymphatic Techniques, Positional Release and (LVLA) Low Velocity Low Amplitude Mobilizations among several others including Craniosacral Therapy.  The combination of the two therapies compliment each other resulting in a much faster healing process.

What is the difference between Osteopathic Manual Therapy and Chiropractic?

The Chiropractor is primarily focused on the spine and its joints to directly & indirectly address ailments.  OMT is focused on addressing the entire body and not just the spine.  OMT might treat digestive or respiratory among many other conditions.  Typically Chiropractors will use a "high velocity adjustment technique" which are as specific as possible that are aimed at restoring spinal joint position and function.  OMT take a more broad approach and will likely treat all areas involved.

In Canada, OMT ARE NOT PERMITTED  TO USE HIGH VELOCITY TECHNIQUES but rather use LOW VELOCITY MOBILIZATIONS AND MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUES when addressing any spinal related condition.  Chiropractors can also diagnose a number of conditions and OMT can not.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT JURING YOUR MASSAGE THERAPY OR OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT YOU MAY HEAR POPING OR CLICKING NOISES THAT RESEMBLE A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT.  THIS IS NORMAL.  IN SOME CASES YOUR JOINTS WILL READJUST WITH MODERATE OR DEEP PRESSURE TO CERTAIN AREAS.

(Some of the above information was referenced from the Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners & the Ontario Osteopathic & Alternative Medicine Association.)