Discover the Benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

At GBMC HealthCare, we’re proud to offer many ways to help you feel your best—one of them is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a gentle, hands-on approach to care offered by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs).

What Is OMT?
OMT is a medical treatment used to diagnose and ease problems with your muscles, joints, and nerves. During an OMT visit, the doctor uses gentle pressure, stretching, and movement to help your body heal and function better. It is used with patients of all ages (starting as early as newborns!). Treatments are non-invasive and low-risk, and many people find relief from pain or tension after several visits. It’s important to note that doctors who provide OMT are not pain management doctors; they do not replace a pain management specialist who might address pain through prescribed medications, injections, or other procedures.

Some Conditions OMT May Help With:

• Back and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle or joint discomfort
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Digestive or circulation issues

OMT is often used alongside your regular medical care—not as a replacement for it.

What to Expect at an OMT Visit
Your first visit usually takes about 30 minutes and includes a medical history, exam, and, if appropriate, an initial treatment. Some people feel temporary soreness or tiredness afterward, which typically fades within a day or two. Most patients need a few visits to notice lasting results.

Why Choose GBMC for OMT?
GBMC is home to one of the very few board-certified Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine specialists in the Baltimore area, Dr. Mark Fersch, who has completed extensive training in this field. Dr. Fersch is located at GBMC Health Partners Primary Care – Padonia. He works closely with primary care and other providers to ensure that OMT fits safely into each patient’s care plan.

Most insurance plans cover OMT. If you’re interested, or wondering if OMT could help you, ask your GBMC primary care provider for a referral.

A Whole-Person Approach to Healing
Osteopathic medicine views the body as an interconnected system with an incredible ability to heal itself. By restoring balance and improving movement, OMT supports that natural process—helping you feel better, move easier, and live well.