Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT)

Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) is a hands-on treatment for improving body alignment and circulation to promote healing and relieve pain. Marcie Merson, MD, of Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, offers OMT as a drug-free treatment for pain. OMT is gentle, safe, and effective. Call the office or request an appointment online today. 

What is osteopathic manual therapy (OMT)?

OMT is a medical treatment that uses gentle pressure to move joints, muscles, and soft tissue. Moving your body in such a way improves alignment and balance, supporting the body’s natural healing process.

Doctors like Dr. Merson use OMT to treat structural problems of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissue). The techniques aim to restore function and remove any structural barriers that affect healing.

Dr. Merson is a pain management physician who is committed to restoring function, health, and happiness. She uses OMT to address and heal the root cause of pain, providing long-term relief.

Who benefits from OMT?

Dr. Merson determines if you can benefit from OMT after an evaluation. This hands-on therapy helps many chronic pain conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Headaches
• Migraines

At your initial visit, Dr. Merson takes a detailed history of your symptoms and health. She also asks about your sleep habits, exercise routine, and mental well-being.

Dr. Merson performs a physical exam and may order imaging studies to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

OMT is safe for most people, but Dr. Merson may recommend other pain management treatments if you have osteoporosis, a bone disease that increases the risk of fractures.

What does OMT feel like?

OMT is gentle, and you shouldn’t feel any pain during treatment, but it may feel awkward during some of the movements. Dr. Merson customizes your therapy session using the OMT techniques that benefit you.

You may sit, stand, or lie down during therapy. Dr. Merson then moves your limbs into various positions, using pressure and manipulation on your muscles and joints to improve alignment.

If you have any discomfort during OMT, tell Dr. Merson immediately.

What can I expect after OMT?

How the body responds to OMT varies. Some people feel sore and tired, others energized.

Dr. Merson provides post-therapy instructions so you can reap the most benefits from your therapy. She recommends drinking plenty of water and engaging in light exercise, like walking over the first few days after OMT.

You need to avoid strenuous activity immediately after OMT, so your body has time to heal. 

OMT is a noninvasive and drug-free treatment for pain. Call Palm Beach Pain Institute or schedule your consultation with Dr. Merson using the online booking feature today.