Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)

By: Wolfgang Gilliar, DO
February 9, 2001

As a treatment, osteopathic manipulation attempts to improve joint range of motion and balance tissue and muscle mechanics in order to relieve pain.

Manipulation techniques by a doctor of osteopathy

There are numerous manipulation techniques a doctor of osteopathy (DO) may use. Common forms of manipulation used today that a patient may encounter include:

• Cranial-sacral

• Counterstrain

Article continues below

• High velocity-low amplitude (the classic “thrust” technique)

• Muscle energy

• Myofascial release

• Ligamentous release

• Lymphatic pump

• Soft tissue techniques

• Visceral techniques

With the patient sitting or lying down on a table, the doctor of osteopathy will gently apply a precise amount of manual pressure in a specific direction. The pressure is applied either directly in the affected areas or at some distance away. It is used to put the tissues at ease (relaxed) or to engage them at their functional limit in order to effect the following:

• Treat structural and tissue abnormalities (vertebrae, muscles, myofascial structures, etc.)

• Relieve joint restriction and misalignment

• Restore muscle and tissue balance

• Promote the movement of bodily fluids

Wolfgang Gilliar, DO
February 9, 2001