What is Osteopathic Manipulation?

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is a method of hands on treatment taught to physicians trained in Osteopathic Medical schools.  OMM can be useful in relieving pain, improving structural alignment and promoting the body's natural ability to heal.  

Dr. Helstrom and Dr. Patterson are trained in many modalities including: myofascial release, soft tissue, muscle energy, strain/counterstrain, HVLA (high velocity low amplitude thrusting techniques), facilitated positional release, trigger point (including injections), balanced ligamentous tension/ligamentous articular strain, visceral techniques, autonomic balancing, Osteopathic cranial manipulation, biodynamic Osteopathy.

OMM is helpful for various conditions including: 

• Acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions: low back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, arthritis and degenerative processes, tendonitis, fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome

• Ear, Nose and Throat conditions: ear infections, sinus infections, vertigo, tinnitus, eustachian tube dysfunction, TMJ

• Pregnancy: Low back pain and other musculoskeletal pain

• Newborn: colic, reflux, ear infections

• GYN: dysmenorrhea (period cramps), pelvic pain, pelvic floor issues

• Neurologic: headaches, concussions, traumatic brain injury, carpel tunnel syndrome

For additional information on Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: www.osteopathic.org  and www.cranialacademy.org

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what patients say about OMM...

My daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis last May.  We had x-rays done and it showed a curve in her upper and lower back.  The doctors at CHOP recommended that we come back in a year to see if the curve changed and by how much; from there, we would determine treatment.  Treatment ranged from just wait-and-see, to bracing for 22 of 24 hours a day, to major surgery.  None of them any parent wants for their child.  

    So, we began an intensive treatment session with Dr. Helstrom.  She saw my daughter once a week for a few months and then every other week from there until we returned to CHOP this May.  A year later and the doctor came into the exam room with her x-rays in hand shaking his head saying, "How did you do this?  How did you DO this?"  Her curves had REVERSED..  She no longer has a curve in her upper back and her lower back is so slight that she can't even be officially diagnosed with scoliosis anymore!  We were amazed but not totally surprised.  

    We lovingly refer to Dr. Helstrom's hands as magical hands.  My two daughters believe she can fix anything on them...and have tested the theory!  Scoliosis, reflux, chronic ear infections, braces, palate expander, toe walking, "growing pains," and the general childhood bumps and bruises that would leave pain for some kiddos...but not those who receive OMM.  Dr. Helstrom's approach to medicine is well-balanced, realistic, and loving.  She is an amazing doctor and person.