OMM (Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine) Lab

The Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Lab, located on the second floor of ICOM, is a key component in the training of all future Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). In this lab, students learn the art of physical examination and develop palpatory skills that assist in diagnosing medical conditions and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction.

The lab is designed to provide a hands-on, interactive learning environment. It accommodates 40 hydraulic tables for students to practice techniques, with abundant natural light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling north-facing windows. Seven high-definition monitors and multiple cameras allow students to clearly view demonstrations from any point in the room, ensuring a rich learning experience.

 

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)?

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is a hands-on approach used by DOs to diagnose and treat structural and functional issues in the body. Through palpation and manipulation of muscles, joints, and soft tissues, OMM helps address pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural healing abilities.

OMM is complementary to traditional medical care, often used to treat musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, and other conditions. By practicing OMM, students gain essential skills to evaluate and manage patient concerns effectively and safely.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is the category of hands-on techniques used within OMM. DOs apply OMT to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury, using manual approaches to support overall health.

OMT is a critical part of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice (OPP) curriculum at ICOM, which encompasses the philosophy, history, and concepts of osteopathic medicine. Students receive approximately 250 hours of hands-on OMM training, building confidence in a variety of techniques, including muscle energy, soft tissue, and high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulations.

OMT can be applied in clinical and hospital settings, and in some cases, may serve as an alternative to pain medication, particularly for musculoskeletal issues. This training prepares students to incorporate manual therapies safely and effectively alongside conventional medical treatments.

The Musculoskeletal System and Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system with overall health. Through OMM and OMT, DOs can identify and treat pain, structural imbalances, and reduced mobility, while promoting optimal body function.

The ICOM OMM Lab allows students to practice techniques in a controlled, supervised environment, helping them develop the skills necessary for clinical rotations and patient care. Students learn to observe, palpate, and treat the musculoskeletal system, integrating these skills into a whole-person approach to health.

Learning Experience in the OMM Lab

Students in the OMM Lab will:

  • Practice manual techniques on peers under faculty supervision.
  • Observe demonstrations on high-definition monitors and cameras.
  • Develop palpation and diagnostic skills essential for patient care.
  • Gain confidence in applying OMT methods in real-world clinical scenarios.

This immersive training ensures that ICOM graduates are prepared to use OMM as an integral part of osteopathic care, improving patient outcomes through a combination of knowledge, skill, and clinical reasoning.

Osteopathic Philosophy at ICOM

ICOM’s DO program emphasizes whole-person care, considering the body, mind, and spirit in patient management. Prevention, wellness, and a holistic view of health are central to the osteopathic philosophy. The OMM Lab provides students with practical tools to apply this philosophy by directly manipulating the musculoskeletal system and understanding its impact on overall health.

Internal Resources and Further Learning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – ICOM OMM Lab

  • What is the OMM Lab at ICOM?

    The OMM Lab at ICOM is a dedicated learning space where students practice Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) techniques. It features 40 hydraulic tables, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high-definition monitors to provide hands-on training in a bright, interactive environment.

  • How many hours of hands-on OMM training do ICOM students receive?

    ICOM students receive approximately 250 hours of hands-on OMM training throughout the pre-clinical years, helping them develop palpation, diagnostic, and manipulation skills under faculty supervision.

  • What techniques are taught in the OMM Lab?

    Students practice a variety of OMT techniques, including:

    • Muscle energy techniques
    • Soft tissue techniques
    • High-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulations
    • Palpation and musculoskeletal assessment skills

    All techniques are supervised by faculty to ensure safe and effective learning.

  • How does OMM/OMT fit into ICOM’s curriculum?

    OMM and OMT are part of Osteopathic Principles & Practice (OPP) courses. Students apply knowledge from lectures directly in the OMM Lab, building skills that will be used in clinical rotations, patient care, and board exam preparation.

  • Can OMM be used as an alternative to medication?

    Yes. OMM and OMT can sometimes be used as a non-invasive alternative or complement to pain medication, particularly for musculoskeletal pain, by addressing structural issues and improving overall body function

  • What makes ICOM’s OMM Lab unique?

    The lab is designed for interactive, hands-on learning with:

    • 40 adjustable hydraulic tables
    • Abundant natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows
    • Seven high-definition monitors and multiple cameras for live demonstrations

    This setup allows students to observe, practice, and refine their OMM skills in a supportive environment.

  • Who supervises students in the OMM Lab?

    All OMM Lab sessions are conducted under the guidance of experienced faculty in the Osteopathic Principles & Practice department, ensuring safe practice and high-quality instruction.

  • How does learning in the OMM Lab benefit students?

    Hands-on training in the OMM Lab helps students:

    • Develop confidence in palpation and manipulation techniques
    • Apply osteopathic philosophy to real patient scenarios
    • Integrate OMM into a whole-person approach to healthcare
    • Prepare for clinical rotations and patient care