Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is being offered as part of primary care at AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Founders, according to Michael Weston, DO. Dr. Weston describes OMT as a combination of massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment that can address chronic pain by targeting its underlying causes.
Dr. Weston explains that the goal of OMT is to find the source of discomfort, which may involve muscles or joints that are misaligned or too tight, a condition known as hypertonicity. “When your body is in pain, it naturally tries to protect itself,” Dr. Weston says. “But sometimes that protective response ends up locking you into an uncomfortable position. With OMT, we work to reset that.”
He provides an example: lower back pain might be caused by a misaligned sacrum rather than just muscle strain. OMT aims to restore balance and improve mobility for patients.
The first session with Dr. Weston involves a conversation and a full-body assessment, starting with gentle massage to loosen tight muscles. He then uses techniques such as “muscle energy,” guiding patients through small movements and gentle resistance to help realign the body and reduce muscle tension. Patients actively participate in these sessions.
“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.”
Initial appointments last about 60 minutes, with follow-up visits around 40 minutes each. As patients progress, sessions are scheduled less frequently with the aim of eventually reducing the need for further visits.
Dr. Weston emphasizes his approach as a DO—a fully licensed physician with additional musculoskeletal training—offering comprehensive primary care across all life stages and incorporating OMT when appropriate.
“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.”
AdventHealth Orlando, where this care is offered, has been serving Orlando since 1908 and functions as both a pediatric and training hospital under President Terry Shaw.
