Osteopathic manipulation therapy or OMT, is a set of techniques performed by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) to diagnose, treat and prevent illness and injury.  Techniques include myofascial release, muscle energy, balanced ligamentous tension, counterstrain, osteopathy in the cranial field, as well as, high velocity low amplitude, among many others. Through OMT, an osteopathic physician addresses  a patient’s muscles, joints, nerves, fascia, lymphatics and autonomic nervous system, improving physiological function and promoting homeostasis either after disease has set in or as a prevention method.  In many cases, the treatment can be used to complement, or even replace, drugs, interventional procedures or surgery.

In some cases, injection therapy may be helpful to manage pain and improve function.  Therapies such as peripheral joint injections, trigger point injections, neural therapy and others are available for appropriate patients.

Talk therapy available for individuals, couples or families with licensed marriage and family therapist Valentina Isleib. Set up a 10-minute phone consultation with Valentina Isleib, licensed marriage and family therapist, to learn more about therapy at The Isleib Center.

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, but it can also be a time for discomfort and concern. Your body undergoes significant changes in preparation for labor. Although these changes are perfectly natural they can also be painful. An increase in the curve of the lumber spine can lead to back pain; forward flexion of the cervical spine can cause neck and shoulder pain; a change in hormone production softens the cartilage in the pelvis which can lead to hip or pelvic pain; changes in weight can affect the joints; the diaphragm elevates sometimes making breathing more difficult.

Osteopathic Manipulation (OMT) can help your body more comfortably manage these changes during pregnancy and in the post-partum period when the body is healing. 

Studies have shown that OMT can help with pain and function during pregnancy. Some studies have even shown that OMT can decrease labor duration. 

At the Isleib Center we offer gentle osteopathic manipulation, in most instances, covered by your insurance. We also offer talk therapy for individuals, couples and families to help you adjust to your growing family, as well as Meditations to help you nurture your mind, body and Spirit. Call to set up an appointment. See more details here.

Osteopathic Manipulation for Autonomic Nervous System

Modern life can be stressful and anxiety provoking. When we are exposed to a stressor a part of our autonomic nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system kicks in. The sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, serves a protective purpose and affects changes in our bodies. Increased heart rate and blood pressure can increase the flow of oxygen to our muscles to escape a predator. Decreased stomach motility and bladder contractility helps us not have to stop to use the bathroom when being chased by a bear. Increased muscle tension helps us run faster.

Many of us, however, due to the near constant stresses of work, commuting, family, bills and watching the news get stuck with our sympathetic nervous system turned on, resulting in feelings of anxiety and stress. The elevated heart rate and blood pressure that helped us escape a bear is no longer helpful and can lead to poor sleep, poor health, and sometimes the need for medications. 

Osteopathic manipulation can help downregulate the sympathetic nervous system and balance it with the parasympathetic nervous system, our “rest and digest” setting. This gentle manipulation targets the nerves and structures that make up and influence the autonomic nervous system.

Techniques aimed at the autonomic nervous system include: CV4 Compression, Suboccipital Release, Rib Raising, Doming the Diaphragm and Sacral Rocking.