“Does Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment also include medication?”
Would I require medication or physical therapy if I am opting for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?
8 Answers
OsteopathicManipulativeMedicineOsteopathicManipulativeTreatment
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) itself does not include medication. OMT is a hands-on approach used by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) to diagnose, treat, and prevent various conditions by manipulating the muscles, joints, and spine. However, DOs are fully licensed physicians who can prescribe medication when necessary. They often combine OMT with conventional treatments, including medication, to provide a holistic approach to patient care.
Whether you require medication or physical therapy alongside Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) depends on your specific condition, severity of symptoms, and your doctor’s recommendation.
-OMT Alone: Some conditions, like mild musculoskeletal pain or tension headaches, may improve with OMT alone.
-OMT + Medication: If you have inflammation, infections, or severe pain, your doctor may prescribe medication (such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants) in addition to OMT.
-OMT + Physical Therapy: If you have chronic conditions, post-injury rehabilitation, or mobility issues, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to complement OMT, improving strength, flexibility, and long-term recovery.
Your osteopathic physician will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include OMT, medication, physical therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
Whether you require medication or physical therapy alongside Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) depends on your specific condition, severity of symptoms, and your doctor’s recommendation.
-OMT Alone: Some conditions, like mild musculoskeletal pain or tension headaches, may improve with OMT alone.
-OMT + Medication: If you have inflammation, infections, or severe pain, your doctor may prescribe medication (such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants) in addition to OMT.
-OMT + Physical Therapy: If you have chronic conditions, post-injury rehabilitation, or mobility issues, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to complement OMT, improving strength, flexibility, and long-term recovery.
Your osteopathic physician will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include OMT, medication, physical therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
Osteopathic Manipulative treatment (OMT) is performed by DOs who are licensed physicians in the US like MDs. Since only DOs learn OMT, it is the primary difference between MDs and DOs. Both DOs and MDs can write for physical therapy and medications.
DOs who perform OMT may find that medications and physical therapy may be appropriate treatments for certain conditions and are usually beneficial to be completed in combination with each other and OMT.
DOs who perform OMT may find that medications and physical therapy may be appropriate treatments for certain conditions and are usually beneficial to be completed in combination with each other and OMT.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) Can include other modalities as well. All legally practicing US DOs are licensed physicians and surgeons, and as such have the ability to prescribe medicine and physical therapy. It is a practitioner‘s individual choice as to how much or little they include those modalities with OMT.
RM Hiserote, DO
RM Hiserote, DO
That all depends on your particular case, and when you see your doctor they will help come up with a plan for you
Osteopathic Treatment is usually used in conjunction with medications and other physical therapies. As fully licensed physicians, Osteopathic Physicians can manage medications and/or provide recommendations to patients or other doctors for medication changes. Osteopathic Treatments will help improve the body's natural state of function (and ability for it to produce its own chemicals), which often reduces dosages, or even need for medications all together.

Roseanne Shaw
Whau Valley, Whangarei
Osteopathic medicine doesn't include medication. Occasionally an osteopath may recommend you take an anti inflammatory-depending on your health and other medications you may be taking. An osteopath may refer you to your GP if it is felt you need other medication.
Sometimes both. However, OMT, in my experience works well in combination with accepted medical and many 'alternative' or 'complimentary' treatment options.

William J. Kirmes
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Medication if needed, but not always. Never for mechanical back strains. The information given to patients includes stretching and directions for home care after the visit.
Dr. K
Dr. K