OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE (OMM)

All osteopathic medical students receive training in the manual medicine discipline known as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) during their education to become physicians. OMM involves a physical examination to identify somatic dysfunction, then treatment of the somatic dysfunction using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Somatic dysfunction manifests as tenderness, asymmetry, restricted range of motion, or tissue texture abnormalities and indicate impaired or altered functioning of the body's framework. OMT is the therapeutic application of manual techniques that are specific to the type of somatic dysfunction present. Because somatic dysfunction can manifest in various ways, OMT includes a wide variety of technique modalities from gentle soft tissue techniques to rapid, thrusting techniques. The goal of the OMT is to correct the somatic dysfunction and improve symptoms and physiological function.

Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM) is a physician specialty that includes advanced training in OMM and the inclusion of osteopathic principles in patient management. Learn more about the American Academy of Osteopathy's role as the Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine specialty college on our About page.

OSTEOPATHIC NEUROMUSCULOSKELETAL MEDICINE (ONMM)

Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM) is a medical specialty that focuses on the clinical evaluation and management of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and its related visceral and somatic structures. ONMM physicians complete residency training that includes advanced training on the integration of osteopathic principles into inpatient and outpatient care. They have expertise in the indications, risks, benefits, and application of OMM for treatment of patients with neuromusculoskeletal and visceral disorders.

ONMM specialists most often see patients with musculoskeletal pain complaints, but also provide OMM for a wide variety of conditions. Some ONMM specialists provide inpatient services for hospitalized patients with conditions such as pneumonia and bowel dysfunction which include OMM to enhance the body’s ability to recover from acute illnesses or injuries. Other ONMM providers focus on the integration of OMM in the management of special patient populations such as pregnant patients, newborns, and children.

ONMM is a primary specialty, which means that physicians are trained in specialty-level care through accredited residency training in the discipline.

• When the American Osteopathic Organization first developed the ONMM specialty, it was known as the Certification of Special Proficiency of OMM (C-SPOMM).
• Later the name was changed to Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (NMM/OMM), then finally ONMM.
• The American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) currently accredits ONMM residency programs.
• Accredited residency training is required for physicians to become board certified as an ONMM specialist through the American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (AOBNMM).

Physicians who have already completed another residency, such as family medicine, may complete an ONMM residency as a second residency to advance their knowledge and skills on the integration of osteopathic principles into patient care. Upon successful completion of the ONMM residency requirements, these physicians are then also eligible for ONMM board certification. Learn more about current ONMM residency requirements on the residency training page.

The AAO is the specialty college for the ONMM specialty and supports all physicians who wish to include osteopathic principles and OMM into clinical practice. Learn more about membership with the AAO.

The AAO supports ONMM residents and all residents who wish to integrate osteopathic principles through the Resident American Academy of Osteopathy (RAAO). Membership in the RAAO includes access to discounted educational programing and physician mentors experienced in the clinical use of OMM. More information on the RAAO can be found at the RAAO webpage.

The AAO also supports students who wish to learn more about osteopathic principles and OMM through the Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO). Membership in the SAAO includes access to scholarships, special student-oriented educational programing, and physician mentors experienced in the clinical use of OMM. More information on the SAAO can be found at the SAAO webpage.

Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine is a physician specialty that includes advanced training in OMM and the inclusion of osteopathic principles in patient management.

Learn more about the American Academy of Osteopathy's role as the Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine specialty college on our About page.