Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is used to treat somatic dysfunction—restrictions in the muscles, joints or fascia. By restoring normal body mechanics, doctors aim to encourage self-healing and improve response to other medical interventions.
OMM research is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the role of manual manipulation in the clinical setting. Researchers investigate the interplay of the musculoskeletal system with the other body systems and document relationships that can be leveraged for therapeutic purposes. This extends beyond simple mechanical outcomes, and is based more broadly on the three areas of osteopathic focus: body, mind and spirit.
PCOM researchers study the application of specific manipulative techniques and treatment of somatic dysfunction in the setting of larger pathophysiology. Our scientist physicians have demonstrated and measured improvement in function and quality of life in response to treatment. They also develop novel approaches to teaching medical students OMM assessment.
Donald Allison, DO, and PCOM medical students studied if the OMM technique of rib raising could aid in surgery recovery and outpatient management of lower back pain.
By examining patient consultation records over a 12 month period, David Fuller, DO, reported to the JAOA that OMM hospital patient consultations are used for a variety of medical and respiratory conditions.
In this video, PCOM OMM faculty member Meghna Shah, DO, demonstrates how osteopathic manipulative medicine can help children with a variety of issues and ailments.
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
