Osteopathic manipulation is a hands on treatment method used to treat a wide variety of ailments. Osteopathic manipulation is also called osteopathic manipulative treatment – or OMT. Most doctors trained in this use it to help diagnose and prevent disease and help your body function properly. Dr. April Harris is certified in this treatment method to help you in the best way possible!
Osteopathic medicine is a “whole person” approach to medicine—treating the entire person rather than just the symptoms. Doctors that are trained in osteopathic manipulation are DOs; different from an MD only in the sense that they prefer a more holistic approach and focus on being doctors first and specialists second. DOs typically apply osteopathic philosophy, structural diagnosis, and use of osteopathic manipulation in the diagnosis and management of patients. Osteopathic manipulation, by definition, is ‘a therapeutic application of manual techniques by an osteopathic physician to address the changes in body structure to improve physiologic function’. Doctors trained in OMT use several different techniques to move the patients joints and muscles; things such as:
- Palpation
- Gentle pressure
- Resistance
- Rapid, and
- Forceful manipulation
These treatments encourage your body to heal on its own by ensuring everything is lined up and balanced correctly. Anyone, at any age can benefit from osteopathic manipulation. It is typically used to treat things like lower back pain, or neck pain, but even children can benefit from this therapy. The beauty of OMT is that the doctor can adjust it to fit the patient’s individual needs.
Dr. April Harris is a native of Lawrence, KS, having grown up there her whole life. Graduating from The University of Kansas she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is also a graduate of The Helms Medical Institute, where she received her training in Medical Acupuncture. Dr. Harris is board certified in Family Practice and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment with Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine. If you need someone with extensive knowledge in osteopathic manipulation you don’t have to look any further! Give Galen Acupuncture and Osteopathic Medicine a call today and see how we can help you – (785) 393-1108.