Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a popular approach to care that uses physical manipulation of the body to encourage it to heal. It has the potential to provide significant pain relief and increased mobility. But what should you expect after OMT? Will you be sore? How long will it take for you to experience the benefits of your treatment? Continue reading this blog post to find out.
What Exactly Is OMT?
OMT is sometimes confused with chiropractic or physical therapy. All three forms of treatment have their benefits, and all three involve careful manipulation of the body with the goal of helping it to feel and function better.
OMT stands out because it is provided by a qualified osteopathic physician. It has a whole-body focus and uses different techniques than treatments that might look similar at a glance but that actually accomplish different things. OMT can help with a range of conditions, such as sprains, tendinitis, sciatica, and more.
Immediately After Your Session
It is important to remember that each patient is unique; your experience may be quite different from that of someone else. With that being said, it can be stated that many people feel relaxed after their first OMT session. A bit of soreness in the targeted areas is also normal. The same thing can be said of other forms of physical treatment, such as massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic.
OMT providers often recommend that patients take the rest of the day to rest (perhaps even two days) so their body can focus on returning to its normal state.
The First Few Days After OMT
It is common for patients to start to notice improvements in their pain and mobility within a few days of an OMT session. Some people experience improvements after their first visit to an osteopathic provider, whereas others might have to wait to notice benefits until they have attended several sessions.
What if OMT Makes You Feel Worse?
Occasionally, patients will experience a posttreatment reaction after OMT. In other words, their symptoms will actually worsen. If you feel noticeably achy or uncomfortable after your OMT, it is probably nothing to worry about. Simply make sure you get enough rest and wait for the discomfort to pass.
Of course, if you are experiencing severe pain or have any concerns about how your body is reacting to OMT, you are welcome to call your provider. They can coach you on some dos and don’ts that may help you to cope with the pain. In rare cases, they might determine that something unrelated to the OMT is responsible for your pain and urge you to seek professional attention accordingly.
OMT can cause some mild discomfort, but ultimately, it has the potential to relieve your pain and help you thrive in your body!
Meet the Doctor
Dr. James Pinkston is an accomplished Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who provides OMT and a range of other treatments that are designed to help patients enjoy reduced pain and an improved quality of life. If you have questions about what to expect with any of the therapies offered in our office, contact us at 828-417-9913.