Does Osteopathy Really Work?

Based on scientific studies, Osteopathy does generally not really work as an effective therapy. There is no compelling evidence that osteopathic manipulation is effective for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain,^[1] or for pediatric conditions.^[2]

A 2013 Cochrane Review reviewed six randomized controlled trials which investigated the effect of four types of chest physiotherapy (including Osteopathic Manual Therapy) as adjunctive treatments for pneumonia in adults and concluded that "based on current limited evidence, chest physiotherapy might not be recommended as routine additional treatment for pneumonia in adults."^[3]

In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence only recommend osteopathy for the treatment of persistent lower back pain. They say there is no good evidence that osteopathy is effective for non-musculoskeletal conditions and limited evidence that osteopathy is an effective treatment for neck pain, shoulder pain, or limb pain.^[4]

For somebody looking to try osteopathy as a treatment the research findings appear to put osteopathy in a very poor light. Of course I as well as all other osteopaths will beg to differ based on the hundreds of clients we have successfully helped. I must admit though osteopathy as I found very early on in my career is not a cure all and all though it did help to successful resolve acute pain, I found it somewhat wanting when presented with chronic pain patterns such as fibromyalgia. Based on this experience, I looked for other factors which were driving my clients symptoms. Through clinical experience of treating 1000's of clients the factors of nutrition, diet, lifestyle and emotional stresses and traumas became important components to consider alongside the structural aspects taught to me at osteopathic school.

I you have any comments or questions please feel free to leave them below.

Dominick Hussey

Osteopathic Manual Practitioner