OMT is a treatment modality used as an integral part of an osteopathic medical plan to optimize patients’ abilities to function. In recognition of the interrelationship between structure and function, OMT is actually an umbrella term for several manual techniques developed by osteopathic physicians to treat different parts of the body based on unique anatomical needs. Some examples that have been adapted by other professions include myofascial release, muscle energy, counterstrain, and cranial techniques. Although these may appear similar to techniques utilized by other allied health professionals such as chiropractors, physical therapists, or massage therapists, osteopathic physicians are trained to use them in the greater context of an individual’s complete medical wellbeing. For more chronic conditions, these treatments are used alongside recommendations for corrective exercises, ergonomic changes, improved nutrition, and healthy lifestyle changes (e.g., mindfulness, sleep, etc.) to help patients move beyond previous limitations and bring about long-term stress reduction and healing. Whether acute or chronic, the goal of each treatment session and of Family Osteopathy’s overall care is to facilitate the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

OMT can be used to treat a wide array of conditions, including

• Back pain

• Joint pain

• "Long COVID"

• Breastfeeding difficulty

• Colic

• Upper respiratory infection

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Headaches

• Lymphedema

• Sprains, strains, and much more.

If you are wondering whether OMT may be able to help you, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Just as each patient’s health is different, their treatment needs are different as well. Each Family Osteopathy patient is evaluated and treated based solely on their individual needs, preferences, or circumstances. In general however, those who have suffered a more acute injury or disease can typically expect significant benefit in just a few treatments and then follow up as needed to maintain their improved state of health, so long as it is not exacerbated by maladaptive routines used in daily life (e.g., poor posture or ergonomics). For our patients whose bodies are actively changing (e.g., children, pregnancy, chemotherapy) or who are still establishing a new wellness routine, more sessions may be required which will be an open and ongoing conversation at each visit.

Dr. Werner is trained in the use of ‘Osteopathy in the Cranial Field’ (OCF), alternatively known as ‘Osteopathic Cranial Manipulative Medicine.’ At its core, craniosacral therapy is an abridged version of OCF and is provided by non-physicians. Those individuals who find benefit from craniosacral therapy find benefit of equal amount or greater from OCF.

OCF addresses patterns of strain within an anatomic structure which can reflect problems throughout the body, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, vascular, and lymphatic/glymphatic systems. Dr. Werner uses OCF as a complement to a variety of other treatment modalities to fully address the patient’s individual needs.

Dr. Werner has been a member in good standing of the Osteopathic Cranial Academy since 2015.

1) Dr. Werner will review your complete medical history, the symptoms that brought you to Family Osteopathy, and your personal health goals. The details can take time, as 70-80% of all accurate diagnoses are due to a thorough history-taking.

2) This is followed by a functional and structural exam of your body with a focus on the region that is bothering you the most.

3) OMT techniques are used to treat any identified key lesions.

4) The final minutes are often spent reviewing any lifestyle modifications or exercises recommended by Dr. Werner in order to carry the treatment forward, continuing its effect.

Simply put, yes. To clarify, Dr. Werner is a fully-licensed, board-certified medical doctor who can manipulate not only every joint in the entire body, but also every muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve, artery, vein, and connective tissue. There is an OMT technique referred to as “high velocity, low amplitude” (HVLA) because it is used to bring the body past its previous barrier in a controlled manner. Similar to cracking your knuckles, HVLA can often produce a cavitation effect of nitrogen gas in the synovial fluid, which is what causes that cracking sound. There are times that HVLA may be indicated during a treatment session, but Dr. Werner always confirms beforehand whether that is your preference, and there are several alternatives if needed.

Variations of HVLA are taught in chiropractic schools, and it is one of their core techniques, as well. Although there are excellent chiropractors who may further their studies after graduation, their field is ultimately built on reducing pain by aligning the body’s skeletal system. In contrast, osteopathic doctors have greater knowledge of the functioning of the organ systems in the body as well as diseases that impact the body. A core foundation of osteopathic medicine is the unity of the mind, body, and spirit, as well as the physician’s ability to interpret and act upon how that is reflected in the musculoskeletal system. This allows us to help our patients’ self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.

OMT can help infants with plagiocephaly by gently reshaping their head, moving their bones into a more optimal position.

OMT can help infants with torticollis by gently stretching tight muscles that are restricting their movement.

These gentle changes can also impact other symptoms, such as reflux, feeding challenges, and ear infections.

For more information, see the Osteopathic Center for Children's flyer on Osteopathy and Plagiocephaly.