Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Relief.
Realignment.
Results.

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?

Hands-on, physician-performed care that restores motion and relieves pain — and it’s covered by most insurance plans.

Person receiving chest compressions during CPR from a caregiver lying on their back on a bed or examination table.

  • The discipline that combines hands-on diagnosis, OMT techniques, and full medical management (labs, imaging, medications, referrals).

  • Uses precise pressure, stretching, and resistance to restore motion, relieve pain, and support the body’s own healing.

    1. The body is a unit—mind, body, and spirit are interconnected.

    2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.

    3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.

    4. Rational treatment is based on these principles and the best available evidence.

  • • Gentle pressure, stretching & resistance
    • Improves joints, muscles, fascia & nerves
    • Encourages the body’s own healing response

  • • Drug-free pain relief
    • Better mobility & posture
    • Complements PT, meds & imaging

  • • Billed as CPT 98925–98929
    • Accepted by most major insurers
    • No referral needed—book directly

OMT is NOT Chiropractic.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is not chiropractic adjustment. It’s a physician-delivered medical procedure grounded in full-body anatomy, diagnosis, and evidence-based technique.

OMT (by a DO) Chiropractic Adjustment
Medical Training Doctors like Dr. Andrew Michail complete 4 years of medical school at institutions such as A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM)—the world’s first osteopathic school—followed by a 3-year residency. Dr. Michail has 1,000+ hours of formal OMT coursework and tens of thousands of clinical practice hours. Chiropractic college (DC); no hospital residency required.
Scope of Care Can order labs/imaging, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and coordinate with specialists. Cannot prescribe medications or perform surgery.
Technique Spectrum 40+ techniques ranging from very gentle (cranial, myofascial) to high-velocity thrusts—selected to match the patient’s diagnosis and comfort. Primarily spinal thrusts; limited soft-tissue work.
Whole-Body Focus Treats muscles, fascia, joints, lymphatics, viscera, and nerves. Primarily spinal alignment philosophy.
Integration OMT is combined with medications, physical therapy, imaging, or specialist referral when indicated. Generally stand-alone manual care.
Insurance Coding Covered by most medical plans and Medicare when medically indicated. Generally out-of-pocket cost; sometimes with limited coverage.

Is OMT Right for Me?

OMT helps a wide range of people—from construction workers and athletes to expectant mothers, desk professionals, and active retirees. The quick checklists below will tell you whether you’re an ideal candidate or should chat with me first.

✅ Great Candidates

  • Neck, mid-back, or low-back pain

  • Shoulder, hip, knee, or ankle dysfunction

  • Headaches, migraines, or TMJ pain

  • Sports injuries, muscle strains, or repetitive-motion stress

  • Construction, utility-line, and other manual-labor workers with lifting-related strain

  • Pregnancy-related back or pelvic discomfort (2nd & 3rd trimester)

  • Desk-work or “tech-neck” posture tension

  • Rib pain after coughing or respiratory illness

  • Sciatica or carpal/cubital tunnel symptoms

  • Mild scoliosis or leg-length–related pain

  • Infants with colic, reflux, or feeding issues (gentle cranial OMT)

⚠️ Let’s Discuss First (Possible Contraindications)

  • Recent fracture, dislocation, or open wound in the treatment area

  • Fresh post-operative site (< 6 weeks) or unstable spinal hardware

  • Severe osteoporosis with high fracture risk

  • Active skin or soft-tissue infection (cellulitis, abscess)

  • Deep-vein thrombosis or acute vascular compromise in the region

  • Uncontrolled bleeding disorder or high-dose anticoagulation

  • Acute myelopathy, cauda equina, or unexplained neurologic deficit

  • Known malignancy in the treatment region

  • Severe rheumatoid flare or fragile connective-tissue disorder

  • Significant anxiety about manual therapy (we can modify techniques)

OMT: What to Expect & FAQs

  • Every OMT visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. Dr. Michail will perform a focused exam and use hands-on techniques—ranging from gentle stretching to more direct manipulations—tailored to your needs and comfort. You stay clothed, and each step is explained as you go.

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (like athletic wear or sweats) that allows for movement. You’ll remain dressed throughout your visit.

  • Your first visit usually takes 20—-30 minutes. Follow-ups are generally 15–30 minutes, depending on your needs.

  • Frequency depends on your diagnosis and goals.

    • For acute pain or injuries: You may start with weekly visits for 1–2 weeks, then space out as you improve.

    • For chronic issues or preventive care: Often every 2–4 weeks, or as needed.

    • Some patients benefit from monthly or quarterly “tune-up” visits.

    Dr. Michail will personalize your plan; no unnecessary appointments or rigid schedules.

  • Most patients feel looser, more mobile, or less pain—sometimes immediately, sometimes over a few days. Mild soreness (like after a workout or massage) is normal and fades in 24–48 hours. Aftercare instructions include: good hydration, stretching, and use of NSAIDs if needed.

  • No, most patients can schedule an OMT appointment directly—no referral needed. If you’re already seeing Dr. Michail for another concern, he may also recommend adding OMT to your visit if he feels it would help your symptoms or speed your recovery.

  • No. OMT plans are individualized. Some patients need only a few visits, others choose occasional maintenance visits—there’s no pressure or commitment.