Osteopathic medicine uses a “whole patient” approach to care, focusing on all the ways an illness or medical condition may affect the entire body, including psychosocial issues like stress and depression. Many osteopathic doctors use hands-on techniques called osteopathic manipulations to determine the underlying causes of pain, including contributing factors, so they can ensure the treatment they provide is most appropriate for the individual patient.

What are osteopathic manipulations?

Osteopathic manipulations are “hands on” treatments that can be used to diagnose causes of pain and other symptoms, treat medical conditions and prevent injury and illness. The manipulations generally involve a series of palpations to feel bones, joints, muscles and other soft tissues, as well as gentle stretching or range of motion exercises to evaluate and determine the cause of symptoms. Once the source of pain or other symptoms has been identified, Dr. Kasendorf may use techniques like gentle pressure and resistance to help relieve stiffness and pain, eliminate muscle and joint restrictions, and promote optimal health and wellness.

What medical conditions can be treated with osteopathic manipulations?

Osteopathic manipulation is widely used to treat an array of medical conditions, including:

• joint diseases and disorders
• neck and back pain
• sinus problems
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• chronic headaches including migraines
• asthma
• menstrual pain

Osteopathic manipulations are also often used after surgery to help patients recover more quickly and with less discomfort, and even before surgery to ensure patients are in the best shape possible before their procedures. In many cases, using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can help patients avoid the need for medication or surgery, and it may also help prevent minor conditions from developing into more serious issues.