Osteopathic Manual Medicine in Farmington, MI

Physician-led hands-on treatment for chronic pain, restricted movement, and musculoskeletal dysfunction – not just adjustments, holistic medical care.

If you’ve tried chiropractic care, physical therapy, or massage without lasting relief, OMM may offer something different. Dr. Hawkins is an osteopathic physician (DO) who uses hands-on manipulation as part of a complete medical approach – addressing not just where you hurt, but why.This is medicine that uses touch. And when touch isn’t enough, Dr. Hawkins can prescribe medication, order imaging, or integrate other treatments.

What is Osteopathic Manual Medicine?

Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM) is a treatment approach used by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) to diagnose and treat pain, restricted movement, and dysfunction in the body’s musculoskeletal system.

How it works: OMM uses hands-on techniques – stretching, gentle pressure, and manipulation – to release tension in muscles, joints, and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding everything in your body). When these structures are restricted or misaligned, they create pain, limit movement, and can affect other body systems.

By restoring proper alignment and releasing fascial restrictions, OMM helps your body function better and heal more effectively.

Common conditions treated:

Chronic back and neck pain
Migraines and tension headaches
Sciatica
Sports injuries
Joint pain and stiffness
TMJ dysfunction
Fibromyalgia
Post-surgical recovery
Restricted range of motion

How is OMM different from chiropractic care?

Both OMM and chiropractic care use hands-on techniques to treat musculoskeletal pain. But there are important differences:

Scope of Practice:

Chiropractors primarily focus on spinal adjustments and joint manipulation
Osteopathic physicians (DOs) use over 40 different manual techniques and treat the whole body – not just the spine

Medical Integration:

Chiropractors provide manual therapy within their scope
DOs are fully licensed physicians who can prescribe medications, order X-rays/MRIs, perform procedures, and integrate OMM with other medical treatments when needed

Training:

Chiropractors complete specialized chiropractic programs
DOs complete 4 years of medical school + residency training, with extensive training in both manual medicine and conventional medicine

At Azoth Health, Dr. Hawkins brings both skill sets together: the hands-on treatment of manual medicine AND the diagnostic capabilities of a physician.

This means:

If you need imaging to rule out a fracture or disc herniation, he can order it
If manual treatment alone isn’t enough, he can prescribe medication or recommend injections
If you have underlying medical conditions affecting your pain, he can address them
If your musculoskeletal issue is connected to hormonal imbalances or other health problems, he can treat the whole picture

What to expect

Dr. Hawkins will:

Review your medical history – current symptoms, previous treatments, medications, and overall health
Conduct a physical examination – assessing your posture, range of motion, and areas of restriction or dysfunction
Perform hands-on treatment – using OMM techniques to address the areas contributing to your pain or limited mobility

Session length: Approximately 60 minutes

You may experience:

Some immediate relief during or after treatment
Mild soreness for 1-2 days (similar to post-workout soreness) as your body adjusts
Gradual improvement over multiple sessions

How many sessions will you need?

It depends on your condition:

Acute issues (recent injury, new pain): Typically 2-5 sessions
Chronic conditions (long-standing pain, recurring problems): Often 5-10+ sessions for significant improvement
Maintenance (prevention, ongoing management): Some patients continue with sessions every 4-8 weeks

Why multiple sessions? Fascia and muscles can be “stuck” in dysfunctional patterns for months or years. OMM works progressively to retrain your body toward healthier alignment and movement. Each session builds on the previous one.

Pricing

$250 per session (approximately 60 minutes)

This includes:

Comprehensive evaluation
Hands-on OMM treatment
Treatment plan recommendations
Medical assessment by a physician (not just a manual therapist)

Cash pay only – this allows adequate treatment time and individualized care that insurance typically won’t reimburse.

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from physical therapy?

Physical therapy focuses on exercises and rehabilitation. OMM is hands-on manipulation performed by a physician to release restrictions and restore proper movement. They can complement each other – some patients benefit from both.

Will OMM hurt?

OMM should not be painful. You may feel pressure or stretching during treatment, and mild soreness afterward (like after a workout), but severe pain is not normal. Dr. Hawkins adjusts techniques based on your comfort level.

Can I combine OMM with other treatments?

Yes. Dr. Hawkins can integrate OMM with pain medication, hormone therapy, peptide therapy, or other medical treatments when appropriate. This is one advantage of working with a physician.

Do I need a referral?

No referral needed. You can book directly.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for movement and access to the areas being treated.

How quickly will I notice results?

Some patients notice immediate improvement; others see gradual changes over several sessions. Results depend on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and your body’s response to treatment.

Can OMM help with other conditions besides pain?

Yes. OMM can address headaches, digestive issues, breathing problems, and other conditions by improving overall body function. Discuss your specific concerns with Dr. Hawkins.

Do you take insurance?

No – this is a cash-pay service, which allows for adequate treatment time and the hands-on physician care that insurance won’t reimburse.