Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: A Brief Review of the Hands-On Treatment Approaches and Their Therapeutic Uses

Abstract

Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is an emerging practice in the healthcare field with increasing popularity and evidence-based therapy. Osteopathic manipulative treatments (OMT) include hands-on manipulations of different body structures to increase systemic homeostasis and total patient well-being. Indeed, this new realm of the whole patient-based approach is being taught in osteopathic schools around the country, and the osteopathic principles of a mind-body-spirit-based treatment are being instilled in many new Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) students. However, despite their proven therapeutic value, there are still many individuals, both in and outside the medical profession, who are unaware (or misinformed) of the therapeutic uses and potential benefits of OMT. Here, we provide a brief introduction to this osteopathic therapeutic approach, focusing on the hands-on techniques that are regularly implemented in the clinical setting. It is becoming increasingly evident that different OMTs can be implemented to enhance patient recovery, both alone and in conjunction with the targeted therapies used in allopathic regimens. Therefore, it may be beneficial to inform the general medical community and educate the public and those associated with the healthcare field about the benefits of using OMT as a treatment modality. OMT is lower-cost, noninvasive, and highly effective in promoting full-body healing by targeting the nervous, lymphatic, immune, and vascular systems. There is a growing body of literature related to osteopathic research and the possible molecular pathways involved in the healing process, and this burgeoning field of medicine is expected to increase in value in the healthcare field. This brief review article explains the frequently utilized OMT modalities and their recognized therapeutic benefits, which underscore the need to understand the possible molecular mechanisms and circulating biomarkers linked to the systemic benefits of osteopathic medicine.

The Benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on a Patient With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

“…Further research with clinical trials would allow for evaluations of the possible contraindications and indications. The manipulations that were used were specific to the dysfunctions found in this patient and the patient’s chronic disease manifestations related to EDS [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Asian-Origin Complementary and Alternative Medicine Perceptions Among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross Sectional Study

“…As a juxtaposition, patients in communities of color are typically unaware of osteopathic medicine in which the undergraduate medical students practice, despite multiple levels of overlap between osteopathic medicine and Asian-origin/non-Asian origin CAM treatments [10][11][12]. For example, multiple massage techniques share roots and pathophysiology with osteopathic techniques, in which making these connections could be critical in physician prescribing or referral practices, as well as in building rapport with patients [13]. For many of the undergraduate medical students, it would not be erroneous to extrapolate that they may have also had exposure to Asian-origin/non-Asian origin CAM treatments through their cultural upbringing, however, would be challenged to incorporate this into their educational schemas as Western medicine typically devalues treatments that are not based in single-molecule, biochemical explanations [14].…”

Physiatry for Treating Hip, Knee, and Back Pain

“…Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) refers to the many distinct manipulation techniques used to noninvasively treat structural and functional issues causing pain in the bones, joints, tissues, and muscles with a focus on improving the body as a holistic unit (Roberts et al, 2022). Manipulation is the therapeutic application of manual pressure or force.…”