Treatment 02

Osteopathic
Manipulation

Physician-delivered, hands-on medicine that restores structural integrity, resolves somatic dysfunction, and addresses the musculoskeletal roots of pain — delivered by Dr. Tyler Vernon, DO.

DO
Physician-delivered
30min
Typical session
1800s
Years of clinical history
0
Surgery required
The philosophy

Structure and function
are inseparable

Osteopathic medicine is built on a set of principles that distinguish it from conventional biomedicine — a philosophy that the body is a unified system, capable of self-regulation and self-healing when structural barriers are removed.

The body is a unit
Mind, body, and spirit are interconnected. A dysfunction in one region creates compensatory changes throughout the whole system — OMT addresses the whole, not just the site of pain.
The body heals itself
The body has inherent self-regulatory and self-healing mechanisms. OMT removes structural barriers — restoring circulation, nerve function, and lymphatic flow — so those mechanisms can operate freely.
Structure governs function
Abnormal structure — whether in bone, fascia, muscle, or organ — creates abnormal function. Restoring proper alignment and mobility directly improves physiological performance.
Rational treatment
OMT is applied with full medical context — understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology — not as a standalone manipulation but as an integrated component of physician-led care.
Techniques

What happens
in a session

Dr. Vernon draws from a range of OMT techniques, selecting based on your specific findings, comfort level, and treatment goals. Sessions are hands-on, diagnostic, and individualized.

01
Soft Tissue Techniques (STT)
Rhythmic stretching and pressure applied to paraspinal muscles and fascia — improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and preparing tissues for deeper manipulation.
02
High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude (HVLA)
The classic "adjustment" — a precise, quick thrust through a joint's restrictive barrier to restore normal range of motion. Often produces an audible pop as gas is released from the joint.
03
Myofascial Release (MFR)
Sustained pressure applied to fascial restrictions — releasing connective tissue tension that contributes to pain, postural dysfunction, and restricted movement throughout the kinetic chain.
04
Counterstrain (CS)
Passive positioning of the body to shorten a dysfunctional muscle or tissue — reducing proprioceptive-driven spasm and restoring normal neurological tone without direct pressure on tender points.
05
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
The patient actively contracts against a counterforce applied by the physician — engaging reciprocal inhibition to restore joint mobility and lengthen shortened musculature.
Conditions addressed

Who benefits from OMT

OMT is effective for a broad range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and systemic conditions — and is often most powerful when combined with other regenerative treatments.

Neck & back pain
Sports injuries
Joint dysfunction
Headaches & migraines
Postural imbalances
Sciatica
Hip & pelvic pain
Shoulder dysfunction
Post-surgical recovery
Sinus & respiratory issues
The evidence

Over a century of
clinical research

OMT has one of the longest clinical histories of any manual medicine — with a modern evidence base spanning randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses across musculoskeletal, neurological, and visceral conditions.

Low back pain — Level A evidence
Multiple systematic reviews and a Cochrane meta-analysis support OMT for acute and chronic low back pain, with effect sizes comparable to conventional physical therapy.
Lymphatic & immune system effects
Research demonstrates OMT applied to lymphatic pumps significantly increases lymphocyte output and immune function — with clinical applications in post-infectious recovery.
Neurological pain modulation
OMT reduces pain through both peripheral and central mechanisms — modulating descending pain inhibition pathways and producing effects beyond simple structural correction.
RCT
OMT vs. Therapeutic Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation · Double-blind randomized trial: OMT produced significantly greater pain reduction than therapeutic exercise
View on PubMed →
RCT
OMT for Pain and Disability in Chronic Low Back Pain
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine · Single-blinded randomized trial: clinically significant pain reduction with improved sleep and anxiety profiles
View on PubMed →
RCT
OMT with Diaphragm Techniques for Chronic Low Back Pain
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation · Sham-controlled randomized trial: significant, clinically relevant improvements in pain and disability
View on PubMed →
Dr. Tyler Vernon, DO
Dr. Tyler Vernon, DO
Doctor of Osteopathy · Premier Village Physicians · Fishers, IN

Dr. Vernon provides OMT as part of the Revive care team at IPC North. His osteopathic training and concierge medicine background allow him to deliver hands-on treatment within the full context of your health — not as a stand-alone service, but as an integrated component of your care plan.

FAQ

Common questions

Is OMT the same as chiropractic care?+
No. While both involve manual manipulation, OMT is provided by a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) — a fully licensed physician with the same scope of practice as an MD, plus additional training in the musculoskeletal system. DOs can prescribe medication, perform surgery, and practice in all medical specialties. OMT is one component of a comprehensive medical evaluation, not a standalone treatment protocol.
Does OMT hurt?+
Most OMT techniques are gentle and should not cause pain. Some patients feel mild soreness afterward — similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue — as tissues adapt to restored alignment. HVLA may feel intense momentarily but should not cause significant pain when applied correctly.
How does OMT complement SoftWave therapy?+
SoftWave addresses tissue repair at the cellular level — activating stem cells and reducing inflammation within the targeted structure. OMT addresses the structural and functional environment around that tissue — alignment, circulation, fascial tension, and nerve input. Together, they create conditions for more complete and durable healing than either modality alone.
How many OMT sessions will I need?+
It depends on the condition. Acute injuries may respond in 1–3 sessions. Chronic musculoskeletal dysfunction often benefits from a series of 4–8 sessions with periodic maintenance. Dr. Vernon will assess your response and recommend a protocol based on your goals and progress.

Book an OMT session with Dr. Vernon

Available now at IPC North in Fishers, IN.

Book Your Session