Developed over 150 years ago by American physician and surgeon Andrew Still, osteopathy has faced questions about its contemporary relevance. Experts from The London School of Osteopathy (LSO) highlight recent evidence supporting osteopathy’s efficacy and its growing role in healthcare.
A 2020 study assessed the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for chronic non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP). The analysis included ten studies investigating various osteopathic interventions, such as OMT, myofascial release, craniosacral treatment, and visceral manipulation. The findings indicated that osteopathy was more effective than control interventions in reducing pain and improving functional status in patients with NS-LBP.
Fiona Hamilton, principal of the LSO, noted that prolonged desk work has increased the incidence of back pain. She said: “The evidence shows that osteopathy can make a significant difference – with treatment focusing on improving joint mobility and enhancing circulation, so alleviating back pain without medication.”
Osteopathy’s benefits extend beyond musculoskeletal issues. A 2023 study examined the effects of OMT on adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The results demonstrated that OMT significantly improved abdominal pain and constipation symptoms in IBS patients compared to no intervention or sham treatment. This suggests that OMT may offer a viable complementary approach for managing IBS symptoms.
A study published in the journal BMJ Open evaluated the efficacy and safety of OMT for musculoskeletal conditions. The findings indicated promising evidence supporting the effectiveness of OMT in managing musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in reducing pain and improving function. These results underscore osteopathy’s potential as a valuable component in treating various musculoskeletal issues.
The osteopathic profession has experienced significant growth globally. Since 2013, the number of osteopaths has increased by 84%, reflecting a rising demand for osteopathic services. In the US, the number of osteopathic physicians has grown by more than 70% in the past decade.
In the United Kingdom, osteopathy’s recognition as an Allied Health Profession (AHP) by the National Health Service (NHS) in 2017 has further integrated osteopathic services into public healthcare. This recognition has enhanced the accessibility of osteopathic treatments for a broader patient population.
Fiona Hamilton remarked, “There are so many different healthcare approaches, so it can be tricky to decipher what treatments are actually still relevant. Osteopaths offer life-altering treatment to people in pain every day, and with proven results and research, we’re confident the profession is set to go from strength to strength.” She added, “At the LSO, we have been admitting and training osteopaths for over 70 years.”
Recent studies and the profession’s global growth affirm osteopathy’s enduring relevance in modern healthcare. Its evidence-based approaches to managing conditions like low back pain, IBS, and various musculoskeletal disorders highlight its integral role in comprehensive patient care.
