Musculoskeletal Therapies: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is being used increasingly in the United States. OMT techniques can be categorized as direct, using an activating force to move tissue through range-of-motion barriers; indirect, disengaging dysfunctional body parts away from restrictive barriers; and combined techniques. Evidence supports the effectiveness of this therapy in management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly for low back pain, but is limited for many other conditions. Physician opinion, patient reporting, and student attitudes about OMT primarily are positive, but rates of OMT use vary across different US regions. Adverse effects are rare but include cauda equina syndrome, lumbar disk herniation, fracture, and hematoma or hemorrhagic cyst. Contraindications to OMT primarily involve conditions that increase bleeding risk or compromise bone, tendon, ligament, or joint integrity. National organizations have issued recommendations and guidelines recommending OMT as a first-line noninvasive therapy for low back pain after self-care. OMT is covered by many health insurance companies and training is available for allopathic physicians. Patient referrals should be made to appropriately credentialed physicians after consideration of supporting evidence and patient interest.