Your Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and Lifestyle Medicine Questions, Answered

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on approach used by osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) to help the body function more effectively. Through gentle manual techniques, OMT can improve mobility, reduce pain, support circulation and lymphatic flow, and restore areas of the body that are not moving or functioning as they should.
The goal is to support the body’s natural ability to heal by improving alignment, motion, and overall function.
OMT takes a whole-body approach to health and healing. While it may include techniques that may feel like chiropractic, physical therapy or massage therapy – there are also techniques unique to osteopathic physicians. Addressing more than the joints and alignment, osteopathy considers the role and function of fascia, muscles, lymphatic circulation, nerves, cranial motion, posture, and organs.
Osteopathic physicians are trained to understand how all parts and functions of the body are interconnected. Having a medical degree allows integration of all aspects of health. We understand that so often, the area where symptoms are felt is not the true source of the problem. We focus on listening to the body signals, integrating all the areas of knowledge, and treating the underlying dysfunctions that contribute to pain or illness.
OMT is commonly used for musculoskeletal pain, but its applications extend far beyond that. We know there is more than just bones and muscles in our bodies - there is blood and lymph flow, there is fascia and connective tissue, there are tendons, ligaments and nerves that all integrate into one another. This means there is application for OMT in a wide variety of patient symptoms. Treatment may help support patients experiencing:
· Headaches and migraines
· Vertigo and dizziness
· TMJ
· Joint pain and restricted mobility
· Muscle tension or stiffness
· Nerve irritation, compression, or pain
· Numbness or tingling
· Pelvic pain or dysfunction
· Abdominal discomfort and digestive concerns
· Congestion, cough, or sinus issues
· Pregnancy-related discomfort
· Recovery from injury or strain
Treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, history, and goals.
Dr. Leslie Kingsley graduated from medical school at Michigan State University, earning a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). This degree includes the same comprehensive medical education and clinical training as her fellow physicians with an M.D. degree. The difference is that D.O. physicians receive additional, extensive, hands-on training throughout all four years of medical school. This training is rooted in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, lymphatic function, and the understanding that structure and function are closely connected throughout the body. We learn how to feel where the body is restricted, and what is restricting it. Then, through the healing power of touch and of the knowledge of science, we are able to get it unstuck to restore natural wellbeing.
She works as a full spectrum primary care physician locally, while separately providing independent osteopathic treatments and lifestyle medicine consults through Gemini Family Medicine.
Your first appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We will talk about what brought you in and how your symptoms may be affecting your daily life and overall well-being.
A physical assessment will also be performed, and in most cases, treatment will begin during the first visit. The appointment is designed to be collaborative, educational, and personalized to your needs.
Gemini Family Medicine does not replace traditional primary care services. Our work together is intended to be alongside the care you receive from your primary care physician and other members of your healthcare team. Further evaluation of your symptoms with imaging (x-rays, MRI/CT), blood work, or specialist referrals will need to be completed through your primary care physician.
Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach to preventing, treating, and reversing chronic disease through sustainable changes in daily habits and behaviors.
It focuses on six core pillars of health:
· Nutrition
· Physical activity and movement
· Sleep health
· Stress management
· Avoidance of harmful substances
· Social connection and community
During consultations, each of these areas is thoughtfully assessed to better understand your overall health and identify opportunities for improvement. Together, we will review the scientific evidence behind lifestyle interventions and discuss realistic, personalized strategies that can improve both quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
The goal is not perfection — it is creating meaningful, sustainable changes that support your wellness over time.
Lifestyle Medicine is designed to complement — not replace — your relationship with your primary care physician.
Traditional primary care plays an essential role in preventive screenings, diagnosis, medications, imaging, and management of acute and chronic conditions. Lifestyle Medicine focuses on the health that happens outside the clinic walls: the daily choices and habits that significantly influence how we feel, function, and age.
These consultations emphasize the empowering idea that patients can actively participate in their own healing and wellness. Food, movement, sleep, stress reduction, time outdoors, and meaningful social connection all have measurable effects on health.
The greatest benefit often comes from combining both approaches — excellent traditional medical care alongside intentional lifestyle change.
Lifestyle Medicine consultations begin with a comprehensive intake and discussion of your current health, concerns, goals, and daily routines. We will assess each of the six pillars, and identify which areas of lifestyle may be having the greatest impact on your health. Together, we will create a personalized wellness plan tailored to your needs and priorities. This may include education, goal setting, behavior-change strategies, and evidence-based recommendations related to nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and other aspects of wellness. You will also receive practical resources, tools, and guidance to help support long-term success in a realistic and sustainable way.
All ages are welcome! From colic in babies to sports and accidental injuries in children and adolescents, OMT can benefit humans of all ages.
OMT is typically covered by insurance.
For both OMT & lifestyle medicine visits, Gemini Family Medicine does not directly bill insurance, but can provide superbills to the patient to submit to their insurance for reimbursement.

Gemini Family Medicine Services with Dr. Kingsley

Initial Intake Visit

50-55 minutes - $235

At our first meeting together, we will spend time getting to know one another and outlining our path forward. This includes discussing your full health history, reviewing your intake forms, any current symptoms or concerns and performing a physical exam.

If you are seeking osteopathic treatment, your initial adjustment will be performed at this visit.

Likewise, if you're seeking lifestyle medicine recommendations or guidance, we will begin goal setting and exploring an individualized wellness plan.

*This will not include any labs or imaging, as Gemini is meant to support and not replace your primary care physician.

Enhanced Follow-up Visit

30-35 minutes - $185

This follow-up visit is meant to allow space for in-depth discussion of your lifestyle wellness plan, or for advanced osteopathic treatment, or both.

Gemini services are available to use this time for what is most meaningful or important to you as the next step in your wellness journey.

Focused Follow-up Visit

15-20 minutes - $125

This follow-up is for targeted osteopathic manipulation, or a check in on specific areas of lifestyle medicine that you are working on in your wellness plan. We will use our time together to keep the progress moving forward, and tune up whatever needs attention.

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Osteopathic Family Physician

Diplomate of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Meet Dr. Leslie Kingsley

The Roots

I was born and raised in West Michigan, harboring a love for all blues and greens – the trees, the skies, the water. I carry an inherent passion for connection to my world and others in it – to stay curious and create new paths. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Grand Valley State University, then completed medical school at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. My residency brought me to beautiful Traverse City at Munson Medical Center, where I trained in full-spectrum family medicine and became a dual board-certified (MD/DO) Family Practice physician.

Throughout my career in medicine, I was continually reminded of the power that lies in the natural world, in our choices, and in our connections. The approach of lifestyle as medicine resonated with me – nutrition, movement, restoration, mindfulness – these are the ‘prescriptions’ we need. I studied the science and evidence of lifestyle, the data showing me that our choices can be more potent than the traditional tools of our health system. I explored further education through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, becoming board certified in 2025.

The Core

During medical school, I was honored to receive the National Health Service Corps scholarship, a program dedicated to bringing compassionate primary care to high-need and underserved communities. After residency, I joined a Federally Qualified Health Center and have been deeply rewarded by the challenges of medicine there, the relationships I have built, and the lessons my patients have taught me.

I served as Chief Medical Officer there for 5 years, helping to shape quality care and impact the health of the broader community. That community vision stemming from a core belief that wellness is a right, not a privilege. That every person – regardless of their story, background, or resources – deserves to be deeply seen, supported, and empowered.

I continue efforts toward our wider community health by sharing my knowledge and understanding with local organizations and partners. Understanding that we rise by lifting others, I strive to support initiatives focused on those most in need. I give presentations at local events and community centers, I serve as a lifestyle medicine consultant with our local health department, and I continue to teach medical students and residents in their educational journeys. My core belief being that equitable access to wellness it not just about access to health care, it is about access to healthy choices, to a healthy life, and to an understanding of ourselves.

The Branches

My care is centered in osteopathic principles, honoring the body’s inherent wisdom and ability to heal. The knowledge that restoring our wellness is more of a returning to ourselves.

I founded Gemini Medicine as a space to honor the duality of our world, that we can embrace ‘both and’, rather than ‘either or’. I draw from both Eastern and Western traditions - blending science with intuition, evidence with lived experience. There is a place for pharmaceuticals and procedures—and there is also a place for the remedies of nature, movement, and mindful choices.

No single strategy serves all ailments or obstacles in our path. We must embrace all the tools if we are to rebuild. I practice inclusion – of ideas, treatments, each other and ourselves. There are many paths to the truth of what we can become, and I seek to empower my patients’ unique journeys, amplifying their strengths and potential to become the heroes of their own story.

The Reach

In an effort to create higher quality care, our current healthcare system has developed metrics, algorithms, checks, and requirements. This multitude of tasks and documentation has distracted us with false achievements and goals, distancing us from value. Both patients and physicians have felt a growing deficiency of our encounters in this system – a disconnection through the noise. I endeavor to create a space where I can walk alongside my patients as a source of education, guidance, and support. Where we can stay curious and do the hard work of unraveling the knots that life has created. Where we can rediscover what has always been there – your own innate ability to heal.