“Can OMT help in strengthening internal muscles of the body?”
My father had a stroke a year ago. Can OMT help in strengthening his internal body muscles?
6 Answers
OMT cannot strengthen muscles. However, they can help reduce tensions in muscles so they have less pain and function better. Physical therapy is usually the treatment doctors prescribe for strengthening muscles. OMT can certainly be done in combination with physical therapy too.
As there are variables concerning where and how severe a stroke was experienced and to what “internal” muscles you are talking about, however, OMT done by an effective practitioner that works with a patient's CNS as well as structurally can often facilitate rehabilitation.
RM Hiserote, DO
RM Hiserote, DO
It depends on the kind of osteopathy being applied- it is more focused on removing restriction however, so usually the treatment in office is not focused on muscle strengthening. With that said, your practitioner might prescribe home exercises.
Osteopathic treatment can help integrate muscles and improve their ability to function at their best in isolation and with the other muscles around them. While it might not reverse nerve and brain damage caused by a stroke, it could help improve the ability of other nerve pathways and muscle groups to compensate for the deficits.
Roseanne Shaw
Whau Valley, Whangarei
An osteopath would not perform any manipulation on your father but could help his strength and mobility by articulating his joints, recommending exercises, and ensuring there is a balance in his musculoskeletal system. A little massage may be used
Sometimes. Depending on the skill and background of the practitioner who offers OMT, it can help in concert with other accepted medical options.
