TL;DR
Answers to the most common questions patients ask about osteopathic medicine, OMT (osteopathic manipulative treatment), and how Dr. Jedidiah Oldham’s DO training benefits patient care at his Spanish Fork office. Call (385) 265-6060 for questions not covered below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Osteopathic Care
Both DOs and MDs complete four years of medical school and three or more years of residency training. DOs receive an additional 200+ hours of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) training that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, hands-on diagnosis, and manual treatment techniques. Dr. Oldham holds the same board certifications and prescribing authority as an MD, with the added hands-on skills from his osteopathic training.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a set of hands-on techniques including myofascial release, muscle energy, counterstrain, and high-velocity low-amplitude thrust that Dr. Oldham uses to treat musculoskeletal pain, headaches, back and joint pain, pregnancy discomfort, and restricted range of motion. OMT is drug-free and can be performed during a regular office visit.
Most OMT techniques involve gentle pressure, stretching, and guided movement that patients find comfortable or mildly tender at most. Dr. Oldham communicates throughout the treatment and adjusts his technique based on your feedback. Some patients experience mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours after treatment, similar to the feeling after a deep-tissue massage, which resolves on its own.
No. While both involve hands-on treatment, DOs are fully licensed physicians who diagnose and treat the whole patient, prescribe medications, and perform surgery. Chiropractors focus primarily on spinal alignment. Dr. Oldham uses OMT as one tool within a thorough medical evaluation that may also include medication, imaging, lab work, and referrals. He treats the underlying cause, not just the symptom.
Yes. Dr. Oldham uses gentle OMT techniques to treat lower back pain, round ligament discomfort, rib pain, and pelvic girdle instability during pregnancy. OMT is a drug-free pain management option that avoids the medication restrictions pregnant patients face. The American Osteopathic Association recognizes OMT during pregnancy as within the standard scope of practice.
Dr. Oldham bills OMT under standard CPT codes for osteopathic manipulation, and most of the 30+ insurance plans accepted at the Spanish Fork office cover OMT when performed with a medical indication (pain, restricted motion, musculoskeletal diagnosis). The front desk verifies coverage before the visit. OMT is typically billed alongside the office visit evaluation.
The number of sessions depends on the condition. Acute back pain may improve in one to three visits. Chronic pain or postural issues may benefit from a series of visits spaced two to four weeks apart. Dr. Oldham reassesses at each visit and continues OMT only as long as it produces measurable improvement. He does not recommend open-ended treatment plans.
Call (385) 265-6060 or book online. Mention that you are interested in OMT when scheduling so the front desk reserves adequate time. The office is at 972 N 600 E, Spanish Fork, UT 84660.
Medical disclaimer: These answers are for general informational purposes. Individual treatment decisions should be made between a patient and their physician.
Content accuracy: Based on current AOA and AAFP guidelines. Last reviewed April 2026.