What are the anticipated benefits of OMM?

• A. No change
• B. Relief of symptoms
• C. Worsened symptoms
• D. Increased medical costs

Answer: (B)

Osteopathic manipulative medicine is used to address somatic dysfunction in order to restore mobility, decrease muscle tension, improve tissue texture, and enhance circulation and nervous system balance. The anticipated outcome is relief of symptoms, such as reduced pain and stiffness, along with improved function and range of motion. This is the core reason clinicians perform OMM: to help the body heal with manual techniques and restore normal function.

Relief of symptoms is the best answer because it directly reflects the goal of OMM—to lessen pain and functional limitations. The other options don’t fit the intended effect: maintaining no change ignores the therapeutic aim, worsening symptoms contradicts the purpose of treatment, and increased medical costs isn’t an expected benefit of the manipulation itself.