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Osteopathic manipulative medicine and the athlete
P Gunnar Brolinson1, Sarah M G McGinley, Shawn Kerger
1Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA. techdo@vt.edu
Current Sports Medicine Reports
|February 26, 2008
Summary
Osteopathic manipulative treatment offers benefits for athletes, though research is limited. This article clarifies its purpose, patient benefits, and potential risks in sports medicine.
Area of Science:
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Sports Medicine
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Osteopathic medicine is a rapidly growing healthcare field in the U.S.
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a key component, yet often debated.
- Limited scientific literature exists on OMT, especially in athletic populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the role and philosophy of osteopathic medicine.
- To differentiate osteopathic physicians from other manual medicine practitioners.
- To review current literature on OMT, focusing on its application in sports.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical discussion of osteopathic medicine.
- Comparative analysis of osteopathic physicians and manual therapists.
- Literature review of osteopathic manipulative treatment in sports.
Main Results:
- Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care.
- OMT involves hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat somatic dysfunctions.
- The use of OMT in athletic settings is widespread but under-researched.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for OMT in athletes.
- Understanding the principles of osteopathic medicine can enhance its application in sports.
- OMT may offer unique benefits for athletic performance and injury recovery.