Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is primarily used to?

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Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is primarily used to treat somatic dysfunction, which refers to the impaired or altered functioning of related components of the body, including muscles, bones, and nerves. This treatment modality is a cornerstone of osteopathic medicine and seeks to restore balance and function to the body through various hands-on techniques.

With OMT, practitioners can address dysfunction by using techniques such as stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance to promote proper alignment and movement. This approach aligns with the osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes the body's ability to heal itself and the interrelatedness of the body's systems.

In contrast, medications and surgical interventions are not the primary focus of osteopathic practice, as OMT provides a more holistic approach to patient care. Additionally, diagnosing fractures falls under the purview of radiology or orthopedic assessment rather than the primary purpose of OMT. Thus, the treatment of somatic dysfunction represents the essence of what OMT is designed to achieve, making it the most accurate answer in this context.

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