Read Time: 2 minutes
Video Transcript
A lot of times, patients have to go to so many appointments that are so stressful. Whereas they can come to the Wellness Center, they can come to see me, and this is a happy appointment.
My name is Selim Sheikh. I'm an assistant professor in the Department of Family [and] Preventive Medicine in the Division of Family Medicine. I practice and teach osteopathic manipulative medicine, integrative medicine, and lifestyle medicine.
What are osteopathic manipulative medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment?
Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a hands-on treatment modality that is practiced by DOs and also some MDs, who have had extra training that focuses on treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
How do OMM and OMT benefit patients at Huntsman Cancer Institute?
Osteopathic manipulative medicine can be quite beneficial in improving quality of life for a lot of cancer patients. Patients may have side effects that are related to either the cancer itself or to cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. In terms of the use for osteopathic manipulation, it is a non-pharmacologic based treatment, in which case, I'm using the patient's own body to promote self-healing and improve mobility and decrease pain.
For example, in a patient that has had chest surgery or radiation therapy, there can be lasting effects in terms of range of motion, which can negatively affect function in daily life. The OMT treatment that we offer at Huntsman Cancer Institute can provide a gentle way to improve mobility and decrease pain by getting improved range of motion through myofascial work and gentle mobilization techniques.
What is the most rewarding aspect of the work you do?
One of the most rewarding things about what I do is the ability to see patients be able to do more of what they love to do. Obviously, cancer treatment is necessary, but a lot of times, there are different limitations that come with it. And for them to be able to access the services at the Wellness Center and Huntsman Cancer Institute, I'm able to get them closer to whatever goals they have, big or small.
Every single visit that I have with them, the entire experience is therapeutic. From stepping in the Wellness Center to walking into the room with dim lights and the salt lamps and music playing, the whole experience is meant to be relaxing. A lot of times, patients have to go to so many appointments that are so stressful in terms of learning an imaging result, in terms of getting more treatment that might be uncomfortable for them. Whereas, they can come to the Wellness Center, come see me, and this is a happy appointment.
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