When is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) indicated?

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is indicated when dysfunction affects a patient's health. This reflects the osteopathic philosophy that emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Osteopathic practitioners assess various bodily systems to determine if musculoskeletal dysfunction is contributing to a patient's overall health issues.

When patients experience dysfunction that results in pain, mobility issues, or other health challenges, OMT can help restore normal function, relieve pain, and improve overall wellness. This aligns with the principles of osteopathic medicine, which prioritize the interrelationship between the body's structure and function.

The other choices, while they may seem relevant in certain contexts, do not capture the core rationale for OMT. For instance, the indication that OMT is used only when physical therapy has failed or medication is ineffective suggests a reactive approach rather than a proactive one focused on restoring health and function. Additionally, the notion that OMT is applied simply because patients request alternative treatments overlooks the clinical indications based on health status and physical assessment. Therefore, the focus should remain on the underlying dysfunction affecting health, which validates the necessity for OMT interventions.