Discover Osteopathic Medicine in Maine: Neuromusculoskeletal Manipulation Guide
If you're a Maine resident seeking holistic healthcare solutions or exploring osteopathic treatments, our team at Northern Light Health has options to meet your needs. We take a people-centric approach to healthcare, seeing beyond medical conditions and focusing on understanding you as a person, with your own unique healthcare needs and goals. Our Maine-based osteopathic physicians are experts in neuromusculoskeletal manipulation, dedicated to unlocking your body's innate ability to heal through gentle, hands-on techniques.
Our osteopathic physicians provide patient-centered care, addressing both symptoms and root causes to promote lasting wellness. Our skilled practitioners leverage work with you to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal conditions, restoring balance, improving joint mobility, and alleviating pain, allowing your body to flourish.
What is Neuromusculoskeletal Manipulation and what you can expect
Read More
Comparing between osteopathic medicine and chiropractic care
Read More
What is Neuromusculoskeletal Manipulation?
Neuromusculoskeletal manipulation, often referred to as NMS manipulation or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), is a hands-on therapeutic approach used by osteopathic physicians to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues and related health conditions. It is a core component of osteopathic medicine, which takes a holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing the interconnection of all body systems in maintaining overall health.
Neuromusculoskeletal manipulation involves skilled and precise manual techniques that focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes the nerves, muscles, and bones. Osteopathic physicians use their hands to gently apply pressure, stretching, and resistance to the affected areas of the body.
The goal is to restore balance, improve joint mobility, enhance circulation, and stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms.
During neuromusculoskeletal manipulation, osteopathic physicians consider the individual's medical history, posture, and movement patterns to identify any musculoskeletal dysfunctions or restrictions. The treatment is tailored to the specific needs of you – our patient -- and the techniques used will vary to best address your condition.
You can benefit from neuromusculoskeletal manipulation if you have musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back pain, neck pain, joint pain, muscle strains, and tension headaches), postural imbalances, sports injuries, chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, arthritis), limited range of motion, pre- and post-surgery patients, or stress-related tension. You can also benefit if you are pregnant, elderly, or if you’re seeking preventive care.
Comparing between Osteopathic Medicine and Chiropractic Care
On the surface, osteopathic medicine and chiropractic care appear to be very similar. However, the differences can be found in the underlying philosophies and foci. Osteopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing the interconnection of all body systems in maintaining overall health. Osteopathic physicians use neuromusculoskeletal manipulation as part of a comprehensive treatment, alongside other medical interventions. Chiropractic care focuses primarily on spinal adjustments and musculoskeletal health, with a more limited scope of practice. Both approaches share an interest in natural healing and provide non-invasive treatments to enhance the body's well-being.
Osteopathic Medicine is more comprehensive and encompasses a broader spectrum of medical care, while chiropractic care is specialized in addressing spinal misalignments and joint dysfunctions. Both approaches aim to promote natural healing and improve patient well-being through non-invasive techniques.
If you’re considering osteopathic medicine or chiropractic care, you should consult with your primary care provider to determine the most suitable approach for your healthcare needs. Some conditions may benefit from a combination of both osteopathic medicine and chiropractic care. Patient preferences and the practitioner's expertise also play a role in determining the most suitable approach for each your unique health needs.
Find Out More