5 Benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Athletes and Active Adults

Pain and tightness shouldn’t bench an active life. At Garden State Sports Medicine in Parsippany, NJ, Dr. Kevin Valvano uses osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to help athletes and active adults move better, recover faster, and perform with confidence. This evidence-informed, hands-on care improves mechanics, reduces pain, and supports long-term performance.

What Are the Fundamentals of Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is built on four core osteopathic tenets. In summary, these principles state that:

• The body is a unit—mind, body, and spirit.

• The body is capable of self-healing and self-regulation.

• Structure and function are interrelated; changes in one affect the other.

• Rational treatment is based on an understanding of these relationships.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are trained to work with the body’s natural tendency toward healing and health. One of the ways we do this is through Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

What Is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?

OMT is a hands-on, non-invasive approach aimed at restoring normal function in dysfunctional tissue. By improving alignment, blood flow, and balance, we support the body’s natural healing processes.

Treatment techniques range from subtle myofascial release to more direct maneuvers such as stretching and joint manipulation (“cracking”). Techniques are selected based on the patient’s preferences, medical history, and exam findings.

Some of these methods overlap with those used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. However, the key difference is how OMT is integrated into the overall health picture and treatment plan of the individual. OMT is typically used alongside rehabilitation and recovery—not in place of them.

This approach helps put the body in the best position for a complete recovery, maximizing both healing and performance.

Who Performs OMT?

OMT is performed by a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), a fully licensed physician who can diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and perform procedures.

DOs complete the same rigorous medical education as MDs, plus approximately 200 additional hours focused on osteopathic principles and the musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on whole-person care and the relationship between structure and function.

Conditions and Scenarios Where OMT Helps

OMT can benefit people dealing with:

• Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain

• Nerve-related pain

• Headaches and migraines

• Post-operative pain or stiffness

• Recurrent tightness that limits performance

• Functional issues related to posture and workload

It can assist with rehabilitation after injury or surgery, enhance athletic performance and recovery, and support overall wellness. OMT is not a replacement for necessary surgery, emergency care, or medications for complex, medication-dependent illnesses—but it can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Examples of Individuals Who May Benefit from OMT

• Concussion patients with neck pain and/or headaches

• Swimmers with shoulder pain or impingement symptoms

• Post-operative patients with persistent pain or stiffness

• Runners with recurrent calf, hamstring, or hip tightness

• Lifters with shoulder or low-back restrictions limiting form

• Field and court athletes managing in-season overuse aches

• Active adults with desk-related neck and upper-back tension

• Individuals with localized, chronic pain of unclear origin

• Anyone whose pain or stiffness returns when training volume increases

Core Techniques Used at Garden State Sports Medicine

Common OMT techniques used in our clinic include:

• Myofascial Release

• Muscle Energy

• Strain-Counterstrain

• High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude (HVLA aka “cracking”)

• Craniosacral techniques

• Lymphatic drainage techniques

Dr. Valvano is also a strong proponent of the Fascial Distortion Model and incorporates these concepts regularly into treatment.

Technique selection is influenced by many factors, including the diagnosis, chronicity of the condition, exam findings, patient tolerance, and individual goals.

Goals of OMT

1. Faster Relief From Muscle and Joint Pain

Targeted manual techniques reduce protective muscle guarding, calm irritated tissues, and improve local circulation. Many patients notice easier movement and less pain shortly after treatment, allowing a more timely return to training with fewer setbacks.

2. Improved Mobility and Movement Quality

As the osteopathic tenets state, structure and function are interrelated. Restrictions in one area can overload another. By restoring motion in key joints and soft tissues, OMT helps the body move as a coordinated unit.

Athletes often experience:

• Smoother stride mechanics

• Cleaner squat depth

• Easier shoulder rotation

These small gains can compound into meaningful performance improvements.

3. Better Recovery Between Workouts

OMT supports the body’s natural recovery processes. Techniques that enhance lymphatic flow and reduce myofascial tension can decrease post-workout soreness and stiffness. Better recovery supports consistency—and consistency drives progress.

4. Reduced Injury Risk Through Balanced Mechanics

Subtle asymmetries—like a tight hip or stiff thoracic spine—can set the stage for overuse injuries. OMT addresses these imbalances and pairs well with corrective exercise. More balanced mechanics help distribute load more evenly so athletes can train harder with less risk.

5. Complements Rehab and Performance Training

OMT is not a stand-alone fix; it amplifies the benefits of rehabilitation and strength and conditioning. When combined with targeted strength work, mobility training, and technique coaching, improvements tend to last longer.

An integrated care model aligns manual therapy with exercise progressions, creating a cohesive plan rather than a collection of disconnected treatments.

How OMT Fits Into a Sports Medicine Plan

At Garden State Sports Medicine, OMT is one tool within a broader, evidence-informed care model that may include:

• Precise diagnosis: Detailed history, movement exam, and when indicated, diagnostic ultrasound to visualize muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints.

• Targeted interventions: OMT to normalize motion; bracing or taping to protect healing tissues; and activity modification to maintain fitness while symptoms improve.

• Procedural options when appropriate: Ultrasound-guided injections (e.g., corticosteroid for inflammation, hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis, platelet-rich plasma in select cases).

• Rehabilitation and performance: Progressive strength, mobility, and motor-control programs to “lock in” gains and build resilience.

This integrated approach ensures that OMT works alongside other treatments for a seamless recovery experience.

What to Expect at a Visit

• Detailed history: The more complex the problem, the more important the history. Understanding the factors leading up to the injury—often referred to as the “mechanism of injury”—is critical to solving the problem.

• Hands-on evaluation: Using physical exam techniques, palpatory skills, and movement assessment, we identify the primary areas of dysfunction.

• Specific diagnosis: Once the mechanism of injury and dysfunctional regions are identified, we establish a focused diagnosis. Getting the diagnosis right is the key to proper treatment and successful outcomes.

• Manual treatment: When OMT is appropriate, it is integrated into the overall treatment plan. Frequency varies based on the patient and condition—it may range from weekly treatments to a few visits per year. Each plan is individualized.

• Exercise program: Most injuries require a guided recovery phase. This may be completed independently with a home program or in collaboration with professionals such as physical therapists. These decisions are made together in the office based on the injury, goals, and resources.

• Clear plan: At every visit, you’ll receive a clear explanation of the injury and the treatment plan. Dr. Valvano does not believe in prolonged, absolute rest; movement, when appropriately guided, is a powerful tool for recovery. Expect a two-way conversation about how to safely continue exercising throughout your recovery.

Safety, Comfort, and Professional Standards

OMT is generally well tolerated. Mild, workout-like soreness may occur for 24–48 hours after treatment. Techniques and pressure are tailored to your medical history, sport or activity demands, and comfort level.

Contraindications and precautions are screened before treatment. If imaging, additional testing, or a different service is more appropriate, that pathway is discussed and arranged.

When to Consider OMT

You may want to consider OMT if:

• Pain persists despite previous attempts to relieve it

• Pain returns when training ramps up

• Post-operative pain or stiffness remains

• Chronic headaches (including migraines and tension headaches) are limiting your function

• Imbalances are noted in mobility, posture, or movement patterns

• You prefer a non-drug, non-surgical option to improve function

• Progress has plateaued despite consistent rehab

• You notice recurring postural strain (e.g., desk-related neck or upper-back tension)

• Localized, chronic pain has no clear structural cause

Ready to Move With Less Pain and More Confidence?

If pain, stiffness, or recurring tightness is keeping you from the activities you love, OMT may be a helpful part of your plan.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kevin Valvano at Garden State Sports Medicine in Parsippany, NJ:

Address: 3799 Route 46, Unit 110 (within Physiopros PT)
Phone: (862) 217-4355
Online Booking: gssportsmed.com

Let’s build a clear, evidence-based plan for OMT, rehabilitation, and performance—so you can get back to moving well and doing what matters most.