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Power of touch. This phrase has defined and distinguished the osteopathic profession since its inception, highlighting the power and importance of a hands-on approach to care. As osteopathic physicians move into a vast array of specialties, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is no longer consistently utilized by all DOs, continues for some in all specialties and is implemented in higher concentrations among specialists in osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine.
There has been conversation around maintenance of osteopathic identity, tied directly to the frequency of use of OMT, with contrasting perspectives. Many consider OMT as the primary, necessary means of demonstrating the distinctiveness of osteopathic medicine. Restrictions in access to direct, in-person care during the coronavirus pandemic brought a new challenge to this perspective. Hands-off requirements can be devastating to those defined by a hands-on approach. The identity crisis that has been escalating comes to a true tipping point – with opportunity as great as the potential for obscurity.
Hands-On; Hands-Off
Human to human contact has been shown to have therapeutic potential – there is no denying the benefit. Utilization of OMT has proven benefits for a multitude of medical conditions. It is entirely possible for these both to remain true and for osteopathic medicine to have power BEYOND touch. OMT is not the only unique aspect of the osteopathic approach – it is a procedure, a tool, implemented to support health when indicated, appropriate and available. When it is not available, the osteopathic physician still has much to offer that is unique and beneficial to patients.
The skills and experience acquired through the learning of OMT translate into the broader approach
POWER BEYOND TOUCH
By Amelia L. Bueche, DO