OMT and what is a DO?

OMT, or osteopathic manipulative treatment (also called osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM)), is a hands-on treatment taught to all D.O.s, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. OMT involves the physician using their hands to diagnose and then treat dysfunctions of the body. This can include treating acute and/or chronic musculoskeletal conditions, nerve entrapments, as well as various other illnesses.

While all D.O.s are taught this, not all routinely use it in their practice. In addition to his Sports Medicine Fellowship, Dr. Clearfield has completed additional training with a Fellowship in OMM so he can be more well-rounded in treatments he can offer his patients. He is a world expert on performing OMT and has taught nationally and internationally.

The Four Principles of Osteopathic Medicine:

1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit
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 upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function

Download PDF