Dr. Kevin DeGroot is a neuromusculoskeletal specialist at St. Elizabeth Physicians. He sees patients at Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine – Covington.
Q: What is osteopathic manipulative treatment?
A: Osteopathic manipulative treatment – or OMT – is a hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, muscles and connective tissues throughout the body. The goal of OMT is to improve function and maximize the body’s ability to heal.
OMT is conducted by a physician who starts the session with an examination to check for areas of muscle tightness, imbalance and restriction to motion. Through gentle maneuvers such as direct pressure, positioning, stretching, muscle contractions and improving range of motion, the provider identifies and treats the areas affected. These methods help improve posture and movement, creating an ideal condition for the body to heal.
Q: Which types of patients benefit from OMT?
A: OMT can be helpful for patients of any age and for both acute (occurring suddenly) and chronic (long-term) conditions. The most common conditions we treat with OMT are low back pain, neck pain and headaches. OMT can also be helpful for a number of other health concerns, including newborn feeding difficulties, pregnancy-related pain, chronic abdominal pain and musculoskeletal pain throughout the body.
Q: What does an OMT treatment plan typically look like?
A: We always tailor OMT to the unique needs of each patient. As a result, there is no set number of appointments that a patient may need. However, I generally tell patients to plan on three appointments initially. Patients with chronic conditions may end up receiving OMT routinely to help them stay functional and manage their symptoms.
Q: How long do OMT treatment sessions usually last?
A: OMT sessions usually last between 30 and 60 minutes. How often patients come in for OMT varies greatly depending on the individual. The frequency between appointments can range from every two weeks to every six months. When we start treating a patient, the follow-up appointments are more frequent. But as the patient improves, the appointments are spaced further apart.
Q: Are many providers in the area offering OMT?
A: The availability of providers who specialize in OMT is somewhat limited in our area. St. Elizabeth is proud to have a dedicated team, including two full-time specialists and one part-time specialist, who are highly trained in OMT. This allows us to offer this specialized treatment to those in need within our community. In addition, a select number of primary care providers have incorporated OMT into their practice, making it available from their offices as well.
Given the specialized nature of OMT, we advise patients to consider the benefits of seeking care from providers with extensive training and experience in this field. Our specialists at St. Elizabeth are not only well-versed in OMT techniques but are also committed to providing personalized care that aligns with each patient’s specific health needs and goals.
Q: Do patients need a referral for OMT?
A: It’s common for patients to be referred by other healthcare providers. These referrals are typically based on an initial assessment of the patient’s needs and how OMT can benefit outcomes for their condition. However, our practice also takes self-referrals. Individuals who believe they can benefit from OMT are encouraged to proactively contact us directly to schedule an appointment. This approach empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.
Whether you come to OMT by referral or on your own, we always encourage patients to contact their insurance provider before scheduling to verify whether they need a referral to have the treatment covered. This ensures that you are fully informed about potential out-of-pocket costs or coverage, thus avoiding unexpected expenses.
To learn more about osteomanipulative medicine at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, please call 800-737-7900.
