Dr. Kristine Martens performing osteopathic manipulative therapy in Fargo, ND

Hands-on therapy for pain, tension and restricted mobility

OMT: Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy in Fargo, ND: Gentle, Hands-On Care from Dr. Kristine Martens, DO, Board-Certified in Family Medicine and Trained in Osteopathic Manipulation

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy, Explained in Plain Language

A hands-on therapy only a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) can provide

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy, or OMT, is a set of gentle, hands-on techniques a DO uses to diagnose and treat pain, restricted motion, and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system: muscles, joints, and the connective tissue (fascia) that ties them together. It works by finding areas of restriction, then using precise pressure, positioning, and motion to help your body restore normal movement and blood flow.

Dr. Kristine Martens is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), board-certified in Family Medicine, and trained in osteopathic manipulation. Unlike massage or chiropractic, OMT is provided by a licensed physician who can also evaluate the underlying medical picture: is this a muscle strain, a nerve issue, a joint problem, or something else that needs imaging or a referral? For a deeper explanation, see our guide: what OMT is, explained in plain language.

Myofascial Release

Gentle Hands-On Fascial Care

Adults with chronic muscle tension or myofascial pain
Recovery from strains, sprains, or repetitive-use injuries
Low-back pain, hip stiffness, or neck and upper-back tension

Muscle Energy Technique

Active, Gentle Stretching for Joint Motion

Adults with joint restriction in the neck, back, or pelvis
Muscle guarding after a strain, or recovery needing low-force care
Older adults wanting gentle mobility without high-velocity thrusts

Counterstrain Therapy

Passive positional release for acute pain and fragile tissue

Adults with acute muscle spasm too painful to stretch or press
Older or post-op patients with fragile tissue or protective guarding
Well-defined tender points in the neck, back, ribs, hips, or pelvis

Back and Neck Pain

See our pages on back pain and neck pain treatment for how OMT fits in.

Sciatica and Nerve Pain

Gentle release of tight muscles and pelvic dysfunction can ease sciatic symptoms.

Migraines and Tension Headaches

Cervical and cranial techniques help reduce headache frequency and intensity.

Joint Pain and Stiffness

Muscle energy and myofascial techniques restore joint motion in the shoulder, hip and knee.

How OMT Differs From Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

Same goal, different training and toolkit

OMT (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)

Provided by a physician (DO) with full medical training
Evaluates and can treat medical conditions, prescribe medication, order imaging
Uses a broad set of techniques (myofascial release, muscle energy, counterstrain, cranial)
Sessions typically 30 to 45 minutes
Available at Resurgent Health for members and non-members

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

Chiropractors (DC) focus primarily on spinal adjustment
Physical therapists (DPT) focus on exercise progression and rehab
Different scope of practice; neither is a substitute for a DO evaluation
Often complementary to OMT, not competing
OMT patients frequently do PT in parallel for strengthening

What is OMT?

OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy) is a set of hands-on techniques a DO uses to evaluate and treat pain, restricted motion, and musculoskeletal dysfunction. It works with muscles, fascia, and joints using gentle pressure and positioning.

Does OMT hurt?

Most techniques are gentle and comfortable. You may feel light pressure, a stretch, or a gentle positioning of the body. High-velocity thrusting techniques (the kind most associated with chiropractic) are only one option and are not used on every patient.

How many OMT sessions will I need?

It depends on the condition. Acute muscle strain may resolve in one or two visits. Chronic pain patterns often benefit from 3 to 6 sessions, followed by maintenance visits as needed.

Is OMT covered by insurance?

Some insurance plans cover OMT when billed by a physician. Resurgent Health is a direct primary care clinic, so we bill you directly at transparent rates rather than filing claims. Ask us for current pricing before your visit.

Do I need to be a DPC member for OMT?

No. OMT is available to both members and non-members. Members receive priority scheduling and a member rate; non-members can book per-visit at published cash rates.

Who performs OMT at Resurgent Health?

Dr. Kristine Martens, DO, board-certified in Family Medicine and trained in osteopathic manipulation, performs all OMT visits at our Fargo clinic.

Happy senior man smiling outdoors in a park, enjoying an active healthy lifestyle

Book OMT in Fargo, ND with Dr. Kristine Martens, DO

Available to members and non-members

Ready to try hands-on osteopathic care? Book an OMT visit with Dr. Martens or add an OMT technique to your next primary care appointment. Cross-training with core strengthening with Emsculpt Neo can amplify the results for chronic low back pain.

Book an OMT Visit Call (701) 599-3950