Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) is a treatment where I use my hands to help you move better and feel less pain.
When I say “manual therapy,” I’m talking about techniques like gently moving your joints to make them work better and stop hurting. It’s like giving your body a little help to move the way it should, without any stiffness or discomfort getting in the way.
The aim of OMT is to help you get back to doing the things you enjoy without pain holding you back. Whether it’s a stiff shoulder, sore knee, or aching back, this treatment works to fix the problem, not just cover up the pain.
By carefully moving your joints, I can help you feel better and make it easier for you to go about your day comfortably.
What is Orthopedic Manual Therapy?
As your physiotherapist, I want to help you understand how Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) works and why it can make a big difference in how you feel and move. OMT is a hands-on approach that I use to help improve the way your muscles, joints, and bones work together. It’s designed to reduce pain, improve your movement, and get you back to doing the things you love without discomfort.
How Does OMT Work?
When you’re in pain or feeling stiff, it’s often because your muscles, joints, or bones aren’t moving as smoothly as they should. This might be due to an injury, overuse, or just the way your body has adapted over time. My job is to help your body move better and feel better.
Joint Mobilization
One of the key techniques I use in Orthopedic Manual Therapy is called joint mobilization. This is where I gently move your joints in specific ways to help them move more freely and reduce any pain you’re feeling. For instance, if your shoulder is stiff, I’ll carefully move your arm to help your shoulder joint loosen up and move more naturally.
Why Does OMT Help?
The main goal of OMT is to help your body move more naturally and with less pain. When I help your joints move better, the muscles around them don’t have to work as hard, which often leads to less pain and stiffness. Over time, this means you’ll be able to move more easily and with less discomfort in your daily life.
Who is Orthopedic Manual Therapy For?
Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) is a versatile treatment that can benefit a wide range of people dealing with different types of pain and movement issues. Here’s who can benefit the most from this treatment:
People with Joint Pain or Stiffness
If you’re experiencing pain or stiffness in your joints—like your knees, hips, shoulders, or elbows—OMT can help. Conditions like arthritis, frozen shoulder, or any general joint pain can often be managed effectively with joint mobilization, which helps to ease the stiffness and improve your range of motion.
Those Recovering from Injuries
Whether you’ve had a recent injury like a sprained ankle, a strained muscle, or even a more serious injury like a fracture or surgery, OMT can be a key part of your recovery.
It helps to restore normal movement and function to the injured area, speeding up your recovery and helping you get back to your daily activities.
People with Chronic Pain
If you’re dealing with chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, or conditions like fibromyalgia, OMT can be very effective. The gentle mobilization of joints and muscles can reduce pain, improve your movement, and help you manage your symptoms better.
Athletes or Active Individuals
For those who are active in sports or other physical activities, OMT can be a great way to keep your body in top shape. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury or just want to prevent one, OMT helps to keep your joints and muscles working properly, enhancing your performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Patients with Postural Problems
If you have issues with your posture, such as rounded shoulders or a forward head posture, OMT can help correct these problems. By improving the mobility of your joints and the flexibility of your muscles, OMT can help you achieve better posture, which in turn can reduce pain and improve your overall movement.
Individuals with Limited Mobility
If you’ve noticed that your movement isn’t as smooth or free as it used to be—whether due to aging, injury, or a chronic condition—OMT can help. It’s designed to improve how your joints move, making it easier for you to perform everyday tasks without discomfort.
Patients Preparing for or Recovering from Surgery
OMT can be beneficial both before and after surgery. Before surgery, it can help maintain as much mobility and strength as possible. After surgery, OMT can be used to help restore movement, reduce pain, and speed up recovery, getting you back to normal activities sooner.
Goals and Benefits of Orthopedic Manual Therapy
Pain Relief
The main goal of OMT is to reduce or get rid of the pain you’re feeling. Whether it’s from an injury, a long-term condition, or overuse, OMT goes after the root cause of the pain to help you feel better. Studies show that joint mobilization can effectively reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain.1
Improved Mobility
OMT is aimed at helping your joints move more easily. By gently moving the joints, this therapy can increase your range of motion, making everyday activities like reaching, bending, and walking more comfortable.2
Restored Function
Besides easing pain, OMT helps your muscles and joints work as they should. This means getting you back to your normal routine, whether that’s working, playing sports, or simply moving around without trouble.3
Faster Recovery
If you’re recovering from an injury, OMT can help speed up the healing process. By improving blood flow and easing muscle tension, this therapy helps your body heal more quickly.4
Prevention of Future Issues
OMT not only treats the pain you have now, but it can also help prevent future problems. By correcting imbalances in your joints and muscles, this therapy lowers the chance of new injuries or ongoing pain.5
Enhanced Performance
For athletes or active individuals, OMT can boost your physical performance. By making sure your joints move and function well, it helps you perform at your best, whether in sports or daily activities.6
Stress Relief:
OMT can also help reduce stress and tension in your body, leading to a greater sense of well-being and relaxation.1
Personalized Care
Every OMT session is customized to fit your specific needs and condition. I focus on the areas where you need the most help, making sure you get the best possible results from your treatment.7
What Happens During OMT?
Assessment
First, I’ll take a close look at how you move and figure out where the problem areas are. This helps me understand which joints or muscles are causing your pain or stiffness.
Applying the Treatment
Once I’ve pinpointed the issue, I’ll start the treatment. During joint mobilization, I’ll gently move the affected joint in a specific direction. These movements are slow, controlled, and tailored to what you can handle comfortably.
- Types of Movements: The movements might be small and repetitive, designed to help the joint ease into a better position. For example, if your knee is stiff, I might move it gently back and forth or side to side to help it loosen up.
FAQs
Is Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) painful?
Orthopedic Manual Therapy is generally not painful. You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort as I move your joints and muscles, but the goal is to ease your pain, not cause it. I always make sure you’re comfortable during the session, and we can adjust the treatment if anything feels too intense.
How many sessions will I need?
I recommend starting with at least three sessions to give your body time to respond to the treatment. Some people feel better after just a few sessions, while others might need more to maintain their results. We’ll regularly check your progress and adjust the plan as needed to ensure you get the best outcome.
Can Orthopedic Manual Therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes, Orthopedic Manual Therapy can be combined with other treatments like exercise therapy, massage, or medications prescribed by your doctor. Combining treatments often leads to better results, and I’ll work with you to create a plan that meets your specific needs.
What should I wear to an OMT session?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move easily. It’s best to wear something that gives me easy access to the area we’re treating, like shorts for knee issues or a sleeveless shirt for shoulder problems.
How soon will I feel the results of Orthopedic Manual Therapy?
Some people feel relief right after the first session, while for others, it might take a few sessions to notice a difference. Your body needs time to adjust to the changes we’re making, but most people start seeing improvements fairly quickly.
Is Orthopedic Manual Therapy safe for everyone?
Orthopedic Manual Therapy is generally safe for most people, but I’ll assess your specific situation before starting treatment. If you have certain medical conditions or are pregnant, we may need to modify the techniques to ensure your safety.
How often should I have OMT sessions?
The frequency of your OMT sessions depends on your condition and goals. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others might need them less often. We’ll create a schedule that works best for you and adjust it based on your progress.
Can I continue my regular activities after an OMT session?
In most cases, yes, you can continue with your regular activities. I’ll give you specific advice based on how you’re feeling after the session. Sometimes, I might suggest you take it easy for a day to let your body adjust, but generally, you can carry on with your usual routine.
Will my medical aid cover Orthopedic Manual Therapy?
Many medical aid plans do cover OMT, but it’s best to check with your provider to be sure. I can help you with any necessary documentation or claims forms if needed.
How do I know if OMT is working for me?
You’ll know Orthopedic Manual Therapy is working if you start noticing improvements in your pain levels, movement, and overall comfort. We’ll regularly review your progress, and you should see gradual improvements as we continue the treatment.
What should I do if I feel sore after a session?
It’s normal to feel a little sore after a session, especially as your body adjusts to the treatment. This soreness should go away within a day or two. I recommend using ice on any sore areas and staying hydrated. If the soreness doesn’t go away or gets worse, let me know right away.
Can Orthopedic Manual Therapy help with sports injuries?
Yes, Orthopedic Manual Therapy can be very effective for treating sports injuries. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a strained muscle, or ongoing pain from a previous injury, OMT can help improve your recovery, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries by ensuring your joints and muscles are functioning properly.
Related Treatments
Here are some other treatments that can work well with your Orthopedic Manual Therapy sessions:
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy involves the use of specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and tissues, promoting healing at a cellular level. It’s particularly effective for reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and speeding up the healing process for both acute and chronic conditions.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: These exercises are designed to help you regain strength, balance, and function after an injury. Doing them alongside Orthopedic Manual Therapy can speed up your recovery and help you get back to your normal activities faster.
- Neural Mobilization: This technique helps improve the movement and flexibility of your nerves, especially if they’re trapped or pinched. Combining it with Orthopedic Manual Therapy can enhance nerve function and reduce pain.
- Strapping and Taping: Using tape to support injured muscles or joints can help stabilize the area and reduce pain during movement. This can be especially useful when combined with Orthopedic Manual Therapy to keep you active while you heal.
References
- Abner, T., Dantas, M. I. O., Azevedo-Santos, I., & DeSantana, J. M. (2020). Joint mobilization associated or not to other therapies reduces chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review. Brazilian Journal of Pain, 3(2), 163–170. https://www.scielo.br/j/brjp/a/qdFB77NpJdt9wTvmsRv6FQN/?lang=en
- Noten, S., Meeus, M., Stassijns, G., Van Glabbeek, F., Verborgt, O., & Struyf, F. (2016). Efficacy of Different Types of Mobilization Techniques in Patients With Primary Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 97(5), 815–825. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2015.07.025
- Camarinos, J., & Marinko, L. (2009). Effectiveness of manual physical therapy for painful shoulder conditions: a systematic review. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 17(4), 206–215. https://doi.org/10.1179/106698109791352076
- Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., Leininger, B., & Triano, J. (2010). Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & osteopathy, 18, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-18-3
- Sault, J. D., Jayaseelan, D. J., Mischke, J. J., & Post, A. A. (2020). The Utilization of Joint Mobilization As Part of a Comprehensive Program to Manage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 43(4), 356–370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.02.001
- Westad, K., Tjoestolvsen, F., & Hebron, C. (2019). The effectiveness of Mulligan’s mobilisation with movement (MWM) on peripheral joints in musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions: A systematic review. Musculoskeletal science & practice, 39, 157–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2018.12.001
- Jayaseelan, D. J., Scalzitti, D. A., Palmer, G., Immerman, A., & Courtney, C. A. (2018). The effects of joint mobilization on individuals with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review. Clinical rehabilitation, 32(6), 722–733. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215517753971
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