Hands-on healing

Imagine getting all the benefits of massage, physical therapy and chiropractic treatment in one appointment. That’s how Michael Weston, DO, describes osteopathic manipulation.

As a primary care physician at AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Founders with specialized training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), Dr. Weston offers this hands-on therapy to help patients find relief from chronic pain — especially lower back pain, neck pain and migraines — by addressing the root causes of discomfort.

Treating you, not just the pain

With OMT, Dr. Weston looks for the real source — the muscles or joints that may be out of alignment or too tight, a condition called hypertonicity.

“When your body is in pain, it naturally tries to protect itself,” Dr. Weston explains. “But sometimes that protective response ends up locking you into an uncomfortable position. With OMT, we work to reset that.”

For example, the ache you feel in your lower back might actually be caused by a misaligned sacrum, the bone at the base of your spine. OMT helps get things back in balance so you can feel better and move more easily.

What you can expect during treatment

Your first OMT session starts with a conversation and a full-body assessment. Dr. Weston begins with gentle massage to help loosen tight muscles and prepare your body for deeper treatment.

Next, Dr. Weston uses techniques like “muscle energy,” to guide you through small movements and gentle resistance to help realign your body and ease muscle tension. You’ll be part of the process, working together toward better balance and less pain.

“It’s not about quick fixes or snap-and-go adjustments,” Dr. Weston says. “It’s about helping your body heal, so the results last.”

Sessions last about 60 minutes for your first visit, and 40 minutes for follow-ups. As your body responds, appointments are spaced further apart — the ultimate goal is for you to need fewer visits over time, not more.

A whole-person approach to care

As a DO — a fully licensed physician, like an MD, with additional training in the musculoskeletal system — Dr. Weston provides primary care for every stage of life. OMT is just one of the ways he helps you feel your best.

“My philosophy is to treat the whole person,” he says. “Sometimes the right solution involves medication or physical therapy — but often, with OMT, we can help you find relief without those steps. It’s all about what works best for you.”