OMT

Abstract: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the osteopathic sympathetic harmonization (OSH) on the SNS and the HPA axis in youth with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Conclusions: Following OSH application in depressed youth, SNS activity may decrease, whereas HPA axis activity may increase. Future studies may examine the therapeutic efficacy of repeated OSH applications in depressed individuals.

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Introduction: Balanced ligamentous tension (BLT) (also referred to as ligamentous articular strain depending on geographic location), relies on the principle that the ligaments of the body provide proprioceptive feedback when tension is appropriately balanced along with the respective ligaments in a joint. According to the Sutherland model, an unequal distribution in the tension among ligaments can cause imbalances in the joint that result in a new pathological “normal”. By altering the strain on certain ligaments, the “spring” of a ligament can be returned to back to the normal physiologic range, and proper proprioceptive feedback in the joint can be re-established.

Conclusions: The effectiveness of BLT primarily stems from an in-tune palpatory sense on the part of the provider. Since this is developed through hands-on practice, it is important that as a provider, one continues to hone these skills through repetition, as this will result in the highest likelihood of correctly diagnosing and treating patients with this particular modality. Practitioners are encouraged to attend workshops and meetings where they can further develop not only their palpatory skills with BLT but also many other treatment modalities within osteopathic manipulative medicine. Proper application of this technique can be very beneficial to nearly all patients as it is a gentle and very tolerable approach for even the most vulnerable patient populations. Further research into the efficacy of BLT in the treatment of ligamentous somatic dysfunctions could shed light on novel uses for this effective modality in the field of osteopathic manipulative treatment.

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Abstract: Scientific literature demonstrates how osteopathic manipulative treatments (OMT) are able to improve various somatic functional parameters, change somato-visceral and viscero-somatic reflexes toward a more physiological mechano-metabolic environment and, consequently, bring benefits to patients.

Conclusions: Subtle electromagnetic forces govern the human body, and the same forces of the environment around us are able to influence us. With a nanoscopic vision linked to quantum physics, our body is an infinite network of constant exchanges of energy, in which energy in the form of bosons and fermions determines form and function. Osteopathic touch, as an integral part of this electromagnetic network, and the patient, form a profound interconnection. The osteopath could affect at a quantum level through very delicate manual approaches, focusing his attention on the motion of body fluids. The scientific community should make a further effort to observe the human body from the nanoscopic lens.

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Abstract: This study aims to determine whether a single session of OMT or OMT + OCMM can improve the gait of individuals with PD by addressing joint restrictions in the sagittal plane and by increasing ROM in the lower limb.

Conclusions: The increase in hip ROM observed following a single session of OMT-WB suggests that OCMM in conjunction with OMT may be useful for improving gait kinematics in individuals with PD. Longitudinal studies over multiple visits are needed to determine the long-term effect of regular OMT and OMT+OCMM treatments on Parkinsonian gait characteristics.

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Abstract: This paper, the first of its kind in the panorama of scientific literature, briefly reviews the anatomy and neurophysiology of the tongue, trying to highlight the logic and the need to insert this muscle in the context of the five osteopathic models. The clinician’s goal is to restore the patient’s homeostasis, and we believe that this task is more concrete if the patient is approached after understanding all the contractile districts, including the tongue.

Conclusions: The article sought to lay the foundations to highlight the need to include the lingual muscle complex in the usual evaluation (and possible treatment) by osteopathic clinicians, as it is currently lacking in the global scientific panorama. The text briefly reviewed the functional anatomy of the tongue, trying to associate the five existing osteopathic models, which are a way of framing the patient and which represent the philosophy of osteopathy (the body unit), with lingual functions and dysfunctions. Recognizing the lingual muscle as an anatomical district that must fall within the subdivision and classification of the models would allow us to have a global view of the patient, without neglecting a contractile district so fundamental for homeostasis. This article is the first scientific paper that pushes the osteopath toward a profound reflection, that is, to not lose the art of palpation and the manual approach to the tongue.

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Abstract: Although the COVID-19 pandemic affects predominantly the respiratory function, epidemiological studies show that multiple systems can be affected. The severe complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection seem to be induced by an inflammatory dysregulation (“cytokine storm”), which can also induce an immunodepression. Several studies highlight beneficial effects of osteopathic medicine on inflammation and immune regulation. A careful review of evidence-based literature brings to the fore significant improvements of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in adjunction to conventional care. OMT can improve the condition of infected patients by decreasing symptoms and boosting the efficiency of conventional care.

Conclusions: OMT has proven to be an important therapeutic adjunction to conventional care against infections, especially when the use of anti-inflammatory medication is limited.

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Abstract: Recent studies have suggested a connection between low back pain (LBP) and urinary tract infections (UTI). These disturbances could be triggered via visceral-somatic pathways, and there is evidence that kidney mobility is reduced in patients suffering from nonspecific LBP. Manual treatment of the perinephric fascia could improve both kidney mobility and LBP related symptoms.

Conclusions: Manual treatments for nonspecific LBP associated with UTI resulted in improved mobility and symptoms for patients in this retrospective study, including a significant increase in kidney mobility.

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Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a complex pathophysiology that has historically been poorly understood. New evidence on the pathophysiology, molecular biology, and diagnostic studies involved in TBI have shed new light on optimizing rehabilitation and recovery. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on peripheral and central glial lymphatics in patients with severe TBI, brain edema, and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) by measuring changes in several parameters regularly used in management.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that OMT may help optimize glial lymphatic clearance of CSF and improve brain edema, interstitial waste product removal, NPi, ICP, CSF volume, and ONSD. A holistic approach including OMT may be considered to enhance management in TBI patients. As TBI is a spectrum of disease, utilizing similar techniques may be considered for all forms of TBI including concussions and other diseases with brain edema. The results of this study can better inform future trials to specifically study the effectiveness of OMT in post-concussive treatment and in those with mild-to-moderate TBI.

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Background: The reduction of birth complications is of high interest in terms of mother and child’s physical and mental health. Furthermore, passing the calculated birth date comes along with physical and psychological stress in many late-term pregnant women.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of one osteopathic treatment on selected birth complications and on the subjective well-being of the mother. The impact of OMT on vital signs and the actual date of delivery and the need for labor inductions was observed. The women’s subjective experience with the treatment was interrogated through a questionnaire.

Conclusions: In terms of birth complications, further studies with a higher number of treatments, earlier onset of therapy and treatment during birth with randomized subjects and three groups are highly recommended. Significant effects on the subjective well-being and the due date could be observed which indicate further studies.

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Introduction: Vertigo appears as a result of a sudden neural activity imbalance of the vestibular system. The vertigo prevalence is higher in patients over 60 years of age compared to patients under 40 years of age.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of craniosacral osteopathy on dizziness and balance in individuals who have peripheral vestibular pathology.

Conclusion: Craniosacral osteopathy is an effective treatment choice in individuals who have chronic peripheral vestibular pathology. In individuals who have resistant and chronic vestibular pathology, craniosacral osteopathy should be evaluated among the treatment choices.

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Background: Despite the prevalence of abdominal adhesions after a caesarean section, there exist few postoperative treatment approaches which specifically target adhesions or establish their connection with chronic lower back pain (cLBP).

Aims: To investigate if the osteopathic approach of treating adhesions after a caesarean section reduces existing cLBP symptoms and alleviates associated pain.

Conclusions: Postoperative adhesions could cause cLBP. Treatment of adhesions using osteopathy results in a significant reduction of pain symptoms for cLBP. Due to the sample size calculation, further studies addressing adhesions and chronic lower back pain would be recommended.

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Abstract: To describe the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment in patients affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Conclusions: Our data raise idea that OMT might be useful in rehabilitative setting in MS patients, with particular regard to anxiety and fatigue.

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Abstract: To evaluate the effect of OMTh on chronic symptoms of MS.

Conclusions: Results demonstrate that OMTh should be considered in the treatment of patients with chronic symptoms of MS.

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Kimberly Wolf, DO, demonstrates the use of the thoracic inlet myofascial release and sacral wobble techniques to increase range of motion and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.

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Abstract: Constipation is a common problem in Western countries. This pilot study aimed to determine the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for the treatment of constipated women with functional constipation (FC) or defecation disorders (DD).

Conclusion: This study shows OMT has potential benefits for treating functional constipation in women. Further randomized trials are required to confirm these results.

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Abstract: Controlling sternal pain after heart surgery is important to reduce the risk of postoperative complications, but pain is often undertreated because of contraindications and side effects of analgesic drugs. Recently, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) was demonstrated to reduce pain in different clinical contexts, suggesting its potential utility after cardiac surgery. The aim of this open-label, controlled study is to assess whether OMT contributes to sternal pain relief and improves postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion: The combination of standard care with OMT is effective in inducing pain relief and functional recovery, and significantly improves the management of patients after heart surgery with sternotomy.

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Purpose: Temporomandibular disorders are a common musculoskeletal condition causing severe pain, physical and psychological disability. The effect and evidence of osteopathic manipulative treatment and osteopathy in the cranial field is scarce and their use are controversial. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment and osteopathy in the cranial field in temporomandibular disorders.

Conclusion: Both therapeutic modalities had similar clinical results. The findings of this pilot trial support the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment and osteopathy in the cranial field as an effective treatment modality in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

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Objective: To assess the effects of osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) in patients with diabetes mellitus and comorbid chronic low back pain (LBP).

Conclusion: Severe somatic dysfunction was present significantly more often in patients with diabetes mellitus than in patients without diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes mellitus who received OMT had significant reductions in LBP severity during the 12-week period. Decreased circulating levels of TNF-α may represent a possible mechanism for OMT effects in patients with diabetes mellitus.

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Objective: Acute low back pain (ALBP) may limit mobility and impose functional limitations in active duty military personnel. Although some manual therapies have been reported effective for ALBP in military personnel, there have been no published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in the military. Furthermore, current military ALBP guidelines do not specifically include OMT.

Conclusion: This study supports the effectiveness of OMT in reducing ALBP pain in active duty military personnel.

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Abstract: The effects of osteopathy in the cranial field on visual function-particularly on changes in the visual field and on the binocular alignment of the eyes-have been poorly characterized in the literature. The authors examined whether osteopathy in the cranial field resulted in an immediate, measurable change in visual function among a sample of adults with cranial asymmetry.

Conclusions: The present study suggests that osteopathy in the cranial field may result in beneficial effects on visual function in adults with cranial asymmetry. However, this finding requires additional investigation with a larger sample size and longer intervention and follow-up periods. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00510562).

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Background: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) has been advocated for the treatment of restricted range of motion in the upper neck. There is little evidence, however, to support the effectiveness of MET to increase motion in the cervical spine, or determine the optimal duration of isometric contraction during the technique.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various durations of MET isometric contractions on active atlanto-axial rotation range of motion.

Conclusion: This study failed to demonstrate a significant benefit in the use of a longer (20-second) isometric contraction when treating the upper cervical spine with MET. The use of a 5-second isometric contraction appeared to be more effective than longer contraction durations for increasing cervical range with MET, but further investigation is recommended.

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Abstract: The research objectives of this study were to evaluate theeffects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) com-bined  with  maximal-effort  exercise  (MEE)  on  strength,coordination,  endurance,  and  fatigue  in  female  patientswith multiple sclerosis (MS).

Conclusion: This  pilot  study  indicates  that  a  maximal  effort  concentric-eccentric exercise program combined with OMT significantlyincreases strength and ambulatory levels while not increasingfatigue in female patients with MS who have an EDSS ratingin the low-to-medium range.

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