Osteopathic magic medicine: a first-hand experience with OMM

[Link]Susanna W. began experiencing acute lower back pain six weeks postpartum after the delivery of her daughter, Lily. After trying chiropractic care, massage therapy and even being referred for an MRI, nothing seemed to bring relief until she was referred by a friend to The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth's Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine clinic at HSC Health.

"I couldn't sit for very long because my lower back was in so much pain," she said. "It's so funny because so many people don't know about OMM. Now I tell people it's osteopathic magic medicine!"

OMM is hands-on care to diagnose, treat and prevent illness or injury. Doctors work with patients to restore motion, increase symmetry and improve function of the body by using stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance to the muscles and joints.

"We often hear that people don't know what OMM is or the full scope of what it can treat because it is a unique service line," said Kendi Hensel, DO, and clinical medical director of OMM. "We have one of the largest academic OMM clinics in the country here at HSC Health, and it's essential that we help people understand what OMM can do for patients in every stage of life, even right after birth."

This holistic approach to healing the body, focusing on the body's systems and how they impact each other, means patients use less pain medication and heal faster.

"The chiropractor I had gone to said there was nothing wrong. I knew there was definitely something wrong with that area of my body, but she couldn't see anything," said Susanna. "OMM is just more holistic. I felt like I received more complete care, and they were able to find the problem because they have a wider scope as DOs."

While OMM physicians treat a wide variety of illness and injury, Dr. Hensel specializes in caring for mothers and babies. Susanna said that she experienced relief after just one appointment with Hensel.

"Obviously, it took a while to have complete relief, but even after that first appointment it was so much better," she said. "The relief that I had was incredible, I'm just so thankful. I cried."

In addition to pre- and post-natal care, OMM can address everything from gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, post-op recovery, asthma, lymphedema, joint pain and much more.

"I felt prioritized every single time I came in," said Susanna. "I felt like Dr. Hensel spent completely unrushed time with me. She would ask follow up questions and wasn't just like running out the door. She's friendly and professional, had lots of information, answered all my questions. I just think she's the best."

Following her positive experience with OMM, Susanna made an appointment for four-month-old Lily. Lily had slight asymmetry of the face and head, and a minor lip tie. Lily was treated by OMM Fellow Stephen Fung, who has since joined the clinical practice upon completion of his fellowship.

Similar to her own experience, Susanna had also taken baby Lily to a chiropractor and lactation specialist prior to her OMM appointments. She was told that asymmetry of the face and head can be addressed with OMM early on while a child's head is still moldable.

"I wanted to try something non-invasive since her lip tie wasn't severe," said Susanna. "After two or three appointments, I could really tell a difference in her face. I can't really describe it. Obviously, her face was changing because she was growing and getting older, but it was like her face was opening and softening instead of being so tight, and more even, so that was really encouraging."

The OMM clinic also offers a nursing room for mothers to use, which can be especially helpful to soothe infants after treatment. Beyond tongue ties and a flattened skull shape, OMM can treat swallowing and feeding difficulties in infants, torticollis, colic, and back pain in pregnancy or postpartum.

"If you're looking for a non-invasive option for any type of pain, I feel like OMM is the first and best option to try," said Susanna. "I was wondering if I would have to have surgery. I just scratched the surface of what OMM can do with my specific experience, but I know they can help with so many things. It's the best first option to try if you're in pain because the relief and the results that I got are unparalleled from anywhere else."

To schedule an appointment with HSC Health OMM clinic, please call 817-735-2235.

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