Another OMT question

[JohnUC33]

Okay, I'm not daring to ask for medical advice. I just want to know if there is any evidence that OMT can help acid reflux. My dad has been seeing an M.D. gastrotenologist for a while, and he can't seem to help him. I've been trying to explain what OMT is to my parents for years (but they really don't understand). I know of an D.O. gastrotenologist nearby that I want to recommend to my dad because if he can do some OMT to help my dad, then maybe he will actually understand the difference (and help his condition). I just can't wait until I learn this stuff for myself.

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[Taus]

There are definitely tecniques for it (at least some causes), however I would assume that an OMT specialist may be better suited for this, unless the GI DO specifically says he does it. I would call and ask, especially bc if he did an allopathic residency and/or fellowship there is a good shot that he doesn't do any OMT in practice.

 

[dcratamt]

There are definitely tecniques for it (at least some causes), however I would assume that an OMT specialist may be better suited for this, unless the GI DO specifically says he does it. I would call and ask, especially bc if he did an allopathic residency and/or fellowship there is a good shot that he doesn't do any OMT in practice.

Exactly

 

[CatsandCradles]

Okay, I'm not daring to ask for medical advice. I just want to know if there is any evidence that OMT can help acid reflux. My dad has been seeing an M.D. gastrotenologist for a while, and he can't seem to help him. I've been trying to explain what OMT is to my parents for years (but they really don't understand). I know of an D.O. gastrotenologist nearby that I want to recommend to my dad because if he can do some OMT to help my dad, then maybe he will actually understand the difference (and help his condition). I just can't wait until I learn this stuff for myself.

I hope things work out for your dad. If there is any OMT used, could you maybe post a little bit about it here? I'm fairly darn interested about it myself too.

 

[Taus]

During the beginning of the school year (MSI), one of our OMT profs, Dr. Kuchera, did a few demonstration lectures for the class on the various applications and research behind OMT. One of his examples called for a student who had been currently experiencing pretty bad gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD), likely from the stress of school. The prof did some things to his diaphragm area and I think used "chapmans reflexes" (I haven't learned much about those yet). Low and behold, a lasting effect was had in the student....and he didn't need any meds or antacid type stuff. Granted, this is completely anecdotal and this professor is one of the best in the world in OMT, but it was pretty unbelievable. I doubt that I will ever be able to achieve anything near his level, but the prospect of being able to treat many common conditions such as backpain, muscle pain and headaches (without resorting to just muscle relaxers/pain killers) with your own 2 hands is pretty damn cool to me....

Not everyone is interested in this mode of treatment, which is fine, but for those who choose to learn it well and use it.....you won't be disapointed.....prime example: the back/neck pain caused by long hours of studying in med school isn't so bad when you're surrounded by DO students....

 

[JohnUC33]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll give that one DO a call and see if he employs OMT in his practice. If he does, then maybe I can make a believer out of my dad.

 

[JohnUC33]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll give that one DO a call and see if he employs OMT in his practice. If he does, then maybe I can make a believer out of my dad.

Well, I called that DO, and he does not use OMT in his practice. How would I go about locating an OMT specialist?

 

[Taus]

I would guess that you could try your states Osteopathic Med Association (I think most states have them..) or try calling the nearest osteopathic school if that applies.....I'm sure others on here may know some other ways...

 

[Dr JPH]

Where in TN are you located?

http://www.osteopathic.org/directory.cfm

This would be the place that I would start.

I agree with calling your states osteopathic society as well.

There are a great number of OMT techniques that can be used for patients with gastrointestinal complaints...far too many to mention.

Many of the easier treatments simply involve mysofascial release techniques focusing on the mid to lower thoracic region and the abdominal diaphragmm

 

[dcratamt]

Any technique could potentially be helpful in treating your father's condition if his complaints are due to somatic dysfunction. It isn't really a question of whether there are techniques "for reflux." He may find that treatment of a seemingly unrelated area where he has restricted mobility, or abnormal tissue tension relieves his GI symptoms. I like to think there are OMM treatments for all symptoms if the symptoms arise due to neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction, but there are no specific techniques for specific medical diagnoses. Each patient should be treated individually where their body needs it most instead of being treated with an OMT protocol that is based on their medical diagnosis. If treated properly their individual symptoms should improve if the dysfunction was the cause.

 

[tom26]

If your dad is having no luck with Allopathic treatment of his symptoms, you may want to consider acupuncture. This indicates a reversal of the energy flow of the stomach. There are simple treatments that may give him some relief. Of course, if you really want to give it a one two punch, utilize both the OMM specialist and an acupuncturist. The great thing is a trial of either or both can't hurt anything and can only help. However, with both systems of treatment, I would try to find someone who treats globally and not just locally to achieve the best results. Thus, I would echo DCR's post.

 

[bones]

Okay, I'm not daring to ask for medical advice. I just want to know if there is any evidence that OMT can help acid reflux. My dad has been seeing an M.D. gastrotenologist for a while, and he can't seem to help him. I've been trying to explain what OMT is to my parents for years (but they really don't understand). I know of an D.O. gastrotenologist nearby that I want to recommend to my dad because if he can do some OMT to help my dad, then maybe he will actually understand the difference (and help his condition). I just can't wait until I learn this stuff for myself.

It can be done in some cases, my mom no longer has any reflux- however you need to take a multifactorial approach, and the treatment will be different for each patient.

but here are some OMT guidelines:

hiatal hernia- some visceral techniques may restore the normal anatomic position of the stomach

weak lower esophogeal sphincter- sympathetic nerves to the region can come from T2-T8, but for most patients it is T5-7

excessive or abnormal stomach acid- consider the vagas nerve as it leaves the skull at the OA.


Medicine also tells us that weight loss, regular exercise, and stress management all help control gastric reflux.

If with all the above treatments reflux continues, antacids are a good idea (or find a more effective osteopath). Chronic untreated GERD can have negative and permanent effects on the lining of the lower esophagus, and has the potential to even lead to malignant changes over a period of years.