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Roberts A, Harris K, Outen B, Bukvic A, Smith B, Schultz A, Bergman S, Mondal D. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: A Brief Review of the Hands-On Treatment Approaches and Their Therapeutic Uses. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:33. [PMID: 35622072 PMCID: PMC9143587 DOI: 10.3390/medicines9050033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Roberts
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 9737 Cogdill Road, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA; (A.R.); (K.H.); (B.O.); (A.B.); (B.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Kaylee Harris
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 9737 Cogdill Road, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA; (A.R.); (K.H.); (B.O.); (A.B.); (B.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Bethany Outen
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 9737 Cogdill Road, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA; (A.R.); (K.H.); (B.O.); (A.B.); (B.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Amar Bukvic
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 9737 Cogdill Road, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA; (A.R.); (K.H.); (B.O.); (A.B.); (B.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Ben Smith
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 9737 Cogdill Road, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA; (A.R.); (K.H.); (B.O.); (A.B.); (B.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Adam Schultz
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 9737 Cogdill Road, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA; (A.R.); (K.H.); (B.O.); (A.B.); (B.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Stephen Bergman
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA;
| | - Debasis Mondal
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 9737 Cogdill Road, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA; (A.R.); (K.H.); (B.O.); (A.B.); (B.S.); (A.S.)
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