Introduction:
Are you searching for effective ways to alleviate chronic pain or injury? Are seeking to enhance your athletic performance? Consider exploring the realm of osteopathic manual practice (OMP) and someone trained specifically in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR). This holistic approach to healthcare focuses on enhancing the body's innate ability to heal itself through non-invasive, hands-on techniques[^1^].
With expertise in Dr. Zink, D.O.'s Respiratory-Circulatory Model (RCM), I am a US Doctor of Manual Osteopathy (Osteopathic Manual Practitioner in Canada) with my Ph.D. in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR). Through my practice, I have witnessed the profound and life-changing effects of combining these therapeutic philosophies for my patients. In this blog post, we will delve into the principles behind OMP and its wide-ranging applications for treating various physical, mental and emotional health conditions.
Understanding Osteopathic Manual Practice (OMP):
Osteopathic manual practice is a therapeutic modality that utilizes manual palpation and techniques to augment the body's natural healing capacity[^2^]. Founded in the late 1800s by Andrew Taylor Still, osteopathy encompasses a holistic perspective on healthcare[^3^]. Osteopathic manual practitioners (OMPs) employ these hands-on techniques to assess and address dysfunctions within the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and other areas of the body. By doing so, they aim not only to alleviate pain and discomfort but also to resolve systemic imbalances that may contribute to a patient's overall health issues.
Understanding Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as it relates to OMP:
Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) is a specialty that focuses on restoring physical function and improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions[^4^]. OMPs trained in PMR work closely with other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans that address both the physical and psychological aspects of a patient's condition. These plans may involve a variety of modalities, such as the OMP manual therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy/psychology, chiropractic, massage, exercise therapy, and collaboration with MDs and NDs (to name a few). By incorporating these approaches collaboratively, OMPs with PMR training aim to provide comprehensive and holistic care to optimize your well-being. It is NOT a "one-tiered" approach to holistic health.
Benefits of Integrating OMP & PMR:
Integrating OMP in PMR offers numerous benefits beyond just pain relief. Some of these include:
Holistic Approach - By addressing both the physical and psychological components of an individual's condition, OMP in PMR provides a well-rounded approach to healing.
Non-Invasive - Unlike surgery or pharmaceuticals, osteopathic manual practice is non-invasive and does not involve the use of any drugs or medications. This makes it a safer option for individuals who may be sensitive to certain substances or have pre-existing conditions that hinder them from undergoing more invasive treatments.
Improved Mobility and Function - OMP techniques aim to correct structural imbalances within the body, leading to improved mobility, range of motion, and overall function. This is especially beneficial for individuals with chronic pain or injuries that may have limited their daily activities.
Enhanced Mind-Body Connection - By addressing physical dysfunctions, osteopathic manual practitioners also help improve the mind-body connection. This can contribute to improved mental health and overall well-being.
Personalized Treatment Plans - Every patient is unique, and OMP allows for personalized treatment plans that address the individual's specific needs and goals. This ensures a highly efficient and personalized approach to healing, fostering seamless collaboration among various healthcare disciplines.
Treating a Wide Range of Conditions with OMP & PMR while incorporating the Respiratory-Circulatory Model (RCM) osteopathic philosophy:
OMP demonstrates versatility in its ability to treat an extensive array of physical and mental health conditions[^4^]. While it proves particularly effective for musculoskeletal issues like back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and muscle tension, it also exhibits efficacy in addressing digestive disorders, menstrual irregularities, and respiratory problems[^5^], just to name a few. Furthermore, OMP can contribute to the management of conditions such as anxiety and depression by addressing physical tension and stress, which may exacerbate symptoms in these cases[^6^]. Expanding upon the RCM philosophy, an OMP aims to harmonize pressure gradients within the body, enhancing the function of the three primary diaphragms. This, in turn, promotes better blood circulation and lymphatic fluid movement, leading to enhanced physical and mental well-being overall.
The Role of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation:
OMP plays a crucial role in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, augmenting the healing process for patients undergoing physical therapy or recovering from injuries[^7^]. By enhancing musculoskeletal function following strenuous activities such as exercise, CrossFit, or laborious work, OMP promotes improved blood circulation and lymphatic return, offering a wide range of advantages[^8^]. Additionally, OMP aids in facilitating faster post-surgical recovery, providing pain relief, improved mobility, and overall well-being.
Why Choose Osteopathic Manual Practice as a Form of Therapy?
Patients often opt for OMP due to its non-invasive and drug-free nature, seeking an approach that addresses the root cause of their health concerns instead of solely focusing on surface-level symptoms[^9^]. OMP empowers individuals to actively participate in their healing journey by teaching them self-care techniques and advocating for lifestyle changes that can enhance their overall health and well-being.
What motivated me to pursue the path of becoming an OMP and embarking on my PhD in PMR?
I am a disabled veteran of the US Marine Corps, having served from 2003 to 2011. During my time in service, I experienced both physical and mental challenges. These included enduring multiple concussions, fractures, and undergoing three surgeries to repair my femur and hip. In 2012, my wife introduced me to Rob Hufgart, a Canadian Osteopathic Manual Practitioner. After undergoing four treatments, I was able to reclaim my ability to run, engage in sports, and participate in CrossFit once again. This transformative experience filled me with hope and ignited my desire to embark on the path of becoming an OMP. In 2017, I achieved my D.O.(M.P.) license, which was a major milestone in my journey. In 2021, I successfully completed my DSc.O with a thesis focused on RCM, and I finished my Ph.D. in PMR in 2024.
Initially, my career revolved around treating athletes and individuals who had lost hope in their quality of life. However, my focus has now expanded to include a wider range of clients, with specializations in pelvic health, prehab/rehab for athletic performance, chronic pain syndromes, and the dynamic nature of the fluidic body through the RCM. My passion is to help people rediscover hope and enhance their health and performance through the scientific principles of Osteopathy as well as share knowledge through the art of teaching.
Conclusion:
Osteopathic manual practice stands as a highly effective therapeutic approach capable of transforming the lives of patients grappling with a diverse range of physical and mental health conditions[^10^]. Whether you are hoping to improve on athletic performance, or recovering from an injury and seeking a non-invasive method to manage chronic pain, OMP can offer significant benefits by addressing the underlying causes and bolstering the body's natural healing processes. To learn more about OMP and how it can positively impact your well-being, I invite you to connect with me directly through my website at www.nateenns.com.
#PMR #OMP #Osteopathy #HealthAndWellness #HolisticHealth #NaturalHealing #PainManagement #BodyAlignment #Wellbeing #Aspirations #Goals
Citations:
[^1^] American Osteopathic Association. (n.d.). What is Osteopathic Medicine? Retrieved from https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/
[^2^] Canadian College of Osteopathy. (n.d.). Manual Osteopathy. Retrieved from https://www.cco.on.ca/manual-osteopathy/
[^3^] Still, A. T. (1899). Philosophy of Osteopathy. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/philosophyofosteo00stil/
[^4^] Osteopathic Cranial Academy. (n.d.). About Osteopathy. Retrieved from https://cranialacademy.org/about-osteopathy/
[^5^] National Academy of Osteopathy. (n.d.). Osteopathy & Treatment. Retrieved from https://nationalacademyofosteopathy.com/osteopathy-treatment.html
[^6^] American Osteopathic Association. (n.d.). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Depression, Anxiety, and Related Conditions. Retrieved from https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/osteopathic-manipulative-treatment/depression-anxiety-and-related-conditions/
[^7^] American Osteopathic Association. (n.d.). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for Patients. Retrieved from https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/osteopathic-manipulative-treatment-omt-for-patients/
[^8^] American Osteopathic Association. (n.d.). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for Sports Injuries. Retrieved from https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/osteopathic-manipulative-treatment-omt-for-sports-injuries/
[^9^] American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. (n.d.). What is Osteopathic Medicine? Retrieved from https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/about-om
[^10^] Osteopathy BC. (n.d.). What is Osteopathy? Retrieved from https://www.osteopathybc.ca/what-is-osteopathy/
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