OMT and Pain Physical Therapy Appointments

Why does my doctor want me to have an OMT appointment?

OMT stands for Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy. Some doctors get extra training to become experts in the muscles and joints of the body–how they function and how to help them function better. Since many types of chronic pain are caused by, or made worse by, changes in the muscles and joints of the body, OMT is a very helpful pain-relieving therapy.

OMT is a hands-on therapy. At an OMT visit the patient lays down and the doctor places her hands on various parts of the body to help the muscles and joints of the body move and function better. Patients are fully clothed and visits usually last for 20-30 minutes.

How is a Pain Physical Therapist appointment different than meeting with a regular physical therapist?

A Pain Physical Therapist assists with pain management and function. Pain Physical Therapists have additional training in pain science education and application, ergonomics, body mechanics, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy techniques, and functional restoration to help improve the efficient function and fitness of your body as well as to decrease pains. They specialize in assisting patients with central sensitization find ways to move and calm down the nervous system.

Many chronic pain conditions are worsened by physical activity and deconditioning. By working with the Pain Physical Therapist in one-on-one visits you will get help with your pains and learn active therapies you can do at home to hasten your pain reduction.