Osteopathic Manipulation in the Management of Chronic Pain: Current Perspectives

Data-driven analysis of whole-brain intrinsic connectivity in patients with chronic low back pain undergoing osteopathic manipulative treatment

BACKGROUND

Chronic Low Back Pain (cLBP) poses a significant health challenge, leading to functional disability and reduced quality of life. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is emerging as a therapeutic option for cLBP, but the brain mechanisms underlying its analgesic effect remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty cLBP patients were randomly exposed to either four weekly sessions of OMT (N=16) or Sham treatment (N=14). Resting-state Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-MRI) scans and pain perception questionnaires were collected before and after treatment. A voxel-wise, rs-fMRI data-driven analysis was conducted to identify changes in the intrinsic functional connectivity across the whole brain that were associated with the OMT. Spearman's correlations were used to test for the association between changes in intrinsic connectivity and individual reports of pain perception.

RESULTS

Compared to the Sham group, participants who received OMT showed significant alterations in the functional connectivity of several regions belonging to the pain matrix. Specifically, OMT was associated with decreased connectivity of a parietal cluster that includes the somatosensory cortex and an increase of connectivity of the right anterior insula and ventral and dorsal anterolateral prefrontal areas. Crucially, the change in connectivity strength observed in the ventral anterolateral prefrontal cortex, a putative region of the affective-reappraisive layer of the pain matrix, correlates with the reduction in pain perception caused by the OMT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers insights into the brain mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect of OMT. Our findings support a link between OMT-driven functional cortical architecture alterations and improved clinical outcomes.

Integration of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Patients with Chronic Pain

The Five Models of Osteopathic Medicine offers guidance on creating a treatment plan that includes OMT for patients with chronic pain. Using OMT on one body region or system has numerous downstream effects and can influence multiple models. This paper describes this therapeutic modality.

Quantitative ultrasound to assess efficacy of treatment for neck somatic dysfunctions: a feasibility study

CONTEXT

Neck pain is a common complaint in healthcare clinics. Although the pathogenesis of neck pain is often multifactorial, trapezius muscle dysfunction has been commonly linked to neck pain. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment modality in treating trapezius muscle dysfunction and neck pain. However, there is a current lack of objective, quantitative measures to assess the effectiveness of OMT. Through previous research, ultrasound technology has been shown to be promising in its ability to quantify tissue changes both pre- and post-OMT.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the feasibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) in assessing upper trapezius muscles with pain and hypertonicity, as well as the changes in these muscles post-OMT for cervical somatic dysfunctions.

METHODS

After obtaining approval from the Rocky Vista University Institutional Review Board and written informed consent from participants, SWE and osteopathic assessments were performed on 22 adult participants with and without cervical spine somatic dysfunction. Participants with positive osteopathic assessments of tissue texture, asymmetry, restricted motion, and/or tenderness (TART) were treated utilizing OMT. Shear wave velocity (SWV, m/s) and shear wave velocity rate [SWVR = (SWV contraction - SWV relaxation)/ SWV relaxation] of the upper trapezius muscles with and without pain and hypertonicity, and before and after OMT, were examined utilizing a two-tailed t-test.

RESULTS

SWV in muscle contraction and SWVR were significantly lower in muscles with pain compared to muscles without pain (p≤0.01). SWV in muscle contraction was also significantly lower in hypertonic muscles compared to normotonic muscles (p<0.01). Following OMT, SWV in muscle contraction and SWVR in muscles with pain and hypertonic increased significantly (p≤0.01). Overall TART score of all muscles with somatic dysfunction (SD) after OMT significantly decreased (p<0.01). SWV in muscle contraction and SWVR in hypertonic muscles were also significantly increased (p≤0.03), with an improvement index of 0.11 and 0.20.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing SWE to evaluate somatic dysfunctions of the upper trapezius musculature and the efficacy of OMT for neck somatic dysfunctions.

Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Manipulation in The Management of Non-Specific Backache; A Randomized Control Trial

Backache is the most common musculoskeletal impairment in general population worldwide. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of MET and manipulation in the management of non-specific backache. Methods: After getting the REC approval from The Neurocounsel Clinic, Islamabad this study was initiated. Duration of study was 6 months from September 20, 2022 to March 19, 2023. Simple convenient sampling technique was done for data collection and total 30 patients of both genders between age of 18-50 years old who had backache due to mechanical cause or had no comorbidity of any kind. Those patients who had a) Lumber disc disease, b) Spondylolisthesis, c) previous back surgery, d) cardiac disease, e) pain <3 on NPRS, f) Parkinson disease were excluded. Two equals (n=15 each) were formed named as group A (MET) and group B (Manipulation). 3 sessions/ week for 3 weeks were given to each group along with heating pad (10minutes). SPSS version-22 was used for data analysis. NP test was used for between groups analysis and level of significance was kept p<0.05. Results: The mean age of patients in group A was 28.25 ± 5.53 whereas of group B it was 34.73 ± 10.66. Between groups analysis revealed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between both groups. Conclusions: It was concluded from the result of current study that both MET and manipulation are equally effective in the pain reduction and QoL enhancement in NSLBP sufferers.

The Benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on a Patient With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a disorder affecting connective tissue throughout the body. Inherited through several different genetic mutations, the EDS symptoms of hyperextensibility, hypermobility, and fragility cause significant somatic and visceral issues in those affected. Chronic somatic dysfunction, pain, and systemic involvement create lifelong comorbidities and discomfort for these patients. One in every 5,000 individuals is burdened with EDS worldwide; in the US, the range has been reported to be 1/2,500-1/5,000 people. Very few patients with EDS in the literature have been documented and treated with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The objective of this case report is to describe the response of an EDS patient to outpatient OMT over a series of three office visits. The patient has verbally consented to OMT at each encounter. A combination of soft tissue manipulation, muscle energy, Still's technique, counterstrain, and high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) was performed in the head and neck, thoracic, lumbar, ribs, and lower extremity regions. During the three clinic visits of this patient, OMT was performed in the same regions by the student physician under the supervision of the attending physician. At each visit, the patient was asked to report their pain levels pre- and post-treatment and assess symptom improvement using a one to 10 pain scale, as well as any subjective symptoms they are experiencing. Following each treatment, as well as at each follow-up encounter, the patient reported marked pain and symptom improvement. The objective of this case report is to describe the benefits that one patient experienced from three clinic visits. These results showed that subjective improvement in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal symptoms secondary to the longstanding history of EDS may be possible through the use of OMT.

Optimizing chronic pain management through patient engagement with quality of life measures: a randomized controlled trial

CONTEXT

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) represents a new approach for guiding chronic pain management because it is patient-centered and more likely to be understood and accepted by patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value and utility of an eHealth intervention for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) that was primarily based on HRQOL measures and to measure the clinical outcomes associated with its use.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted within the Pain Registry for Epidemiological, Clinical, and Interventional Studies and Innovation (PRECISION Pain Research Registry) using participants screened from November 2019 through February 2021. A total of 331 registry participants within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia met the eligibility criteria, which included having CLBP and HRQOL deficits. Almost three-fourths of the participants were enrolled after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were randomized to an eHealth intervention for HRQOL or wait list control. The primary outcome measures involved HRQOL based on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), including the SPADE cluster (Sleep disturbance, Pain interference with activities, Anxiety, Depression, and low Energy/fatigue) and each of its five component scales. Secondary outcome measures involved low back pain intensity and back-related functioning. Changes over time for each outcome measure reported by participants in each treatment group were compared utilizing the student's t-test for statistical significance and Cohen's d statistic for clinical importance. Outcomes were reported as between-group differences in change scores and the d statistic, with positive values favoring the experimental treatment group.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the experimental and control treatment groups for changes over time in any primary outcome measure. The d statistic (95% confidence interval) for the difference between the experimental and control treatment groups on the SPADE cluster was 0.04 (-0.18-0.25). The corresponding d statistics for the SPADE scales ranged from -0.06 (-0.27 to 0.16) for anxiety to 0.11 (-0.10 to 0.33) for sleep disturbance. There were also no significant or clinically important differences between the experimental and control treatment groups on the secondary outcome measures. Additionally, in subgroup analyses involving participants treated by osteopathic vs allopathic physicians, no significant interaction effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The eHealth intervention studied herein did not achieve statistically significant or clinically important improvements in any of the primary or secondary outcome measures. However, the validity and generalizability of the findings may have been limited by the unforeseen onset and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after beginning the trial.

Inhibiting the Musculoskeletal Pathological Processes in Post-knee Replacement Surgery With Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Systematic Review

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a very common surgical treatment approach for severe osteoarthritis. Complications of TKA include loss of range of motion and prolonged analgesic requirement for pain control. Osteopathic manipulative techniques (OMT) have been utilized to address localized muscular stiffness to improve range of motion; however, limited studies directly correlate OMT and TKA recovery. This review highlights the therapeutic benefits OMT can have in the postoperative management of arthroplasty with respect to range of motion, edema, pain perception, and ability to perform activities of daily living. This review revealed the use of OMT would positively influence range of motion by manipulation of localized musculature and can result in decreased demand for analgesics. This can, in turn, shorten hospital stay and return the ability of patients to perform activities of daily living earlier than without OMT. Increased research is needed to strengthen these findings on the benefits of OMT in the postoperative management of arthroplasty.

A novel movement system screen for primary care providers: a multisite, observational study

CONTEXT

Movement of the human body is essential for the interaction of an individual within their environment and contributes to both physical and emotional quality of life. Movement system disorders (MSDs) are kinesiopathologic conditions that result from either altered movement patterns, trauma, or pathology. A screening tool may facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment of acute MSDs. This tool could prevent progression to chronic conditions, leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

Our study evaluated whether a screening tool would be able to accurately screen individuals for MSDs, explore comorbidities that may predict the prevalence of MSDs, and identify why people do not discuss these problems with their primary care provider (PCP).

METHODS

A multisite, observational study in a primary care setting. Data were analyzed to determine the psychometric properties of the screening question. Logistic regression was performed to explore the relationship of comorbidities with MSDs. Thematic analysis was performed to explore why patients do not discuss these issues with their PCP.

RESULTS

The point prevalence of MSDs was determined to be 78%. The sensitivity of the screening question was determined to be good (70%). Arthritis, obesity, sleep disorders, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were significant predictors for an MSD. Thematic analysis regarding why patients do not discuss the MSD with their physician revealed: (1) the perceived lack of importance of the problem; (2) the lack of access to healthcare, and (3) the acuity of the problem.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for an MSD and associated comorbidities could prevent the transition of acute conditions to chronic conditions. If PCPs can identify predictors and factors associated with an MSD, they may be able to screen for MSDs more effectively. Earlier identification of MSDs may facilitate earlier treatment and prevent costs associated with resulting chronic disorders and persistent pain and disability.

Osteopathic structure/function models renovation for a person-centered approach: a narrative review and integrative hypothesis

OBJECTIVES

The construct of the osteopathic structure-function models is reported as a cornerstone of clinical reasoning and treatment processes. Nevertheless, there are no shared procedures described for their use in clinical practice. The present narrative review aims to analyze a more comprehensive perspective on the phenomenon.

METHODS

A structured narrative review was conducted. A database search was conducted using Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed papers without specifying limits on dates and design were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-five findings were reported and grouped into two main themes: 1) Debate on models and theoretical frameworks for osteopathic care; 2) Clinical reasoning and decision-making process in the osteopathic field.

CONCLUSIONS

An integrated osteopathic care approach based on the structure/function models represents a starting point to establish a shared osteopathic diagnostic and clinical reasoning and an evidence-informed practice promoting health in an interdisciplinary person-centered care process. The present review highlights the limited amount of literature on using osteopathic conceptual models in decision-making and treatment strategies. A research plan is required to develop a common framework for an evidence-based osteopathic practice that promotes well-being in an interdisciplinary person-centered care process.

Osteopathy and Mental Health: An Embodied, Predictive, and Interoceptive Framework

Globally, mental and musculoskeletal disorders present with high prevalence, disease burden, and comorbidity. In order to improve the quality of care for patients with persistent physical and comorbid mental health conditions, person-centered care approaches addressing psychosocial factors are currently advocated. Central to successful person-centered care is a multidisciplinary collaboration between mental health and musculoskeletal specialists underpinned by a robust therapeutic alliance. Such a collaborative approach might be found in osteopathy, which is typically utilized to treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders but may arguably also benefit mental health outcomes. However, research and practice exploring the reputed effect of osteopathy on patients with mental health problems lack a robust framework. In this hypothesis and theory article, we build upon research from embodied cognition, predictive coding, interoception, and osteopathy to propose an embodied, predictive and interoceptive framework that underpins osteopathic person-centered care for individuals with persistent physical and comorbid mental health problems. Based on the premise that, for example, chronic pain and comorbid depression are underlined by overly precise predictions or imprecise sensory information, we hypothesize that osteopathic treatment may generate strong interoceptive prediction errors that update the generative model underpinning the experience of pain and depression. Thus, physical and mental symptoms may be reduced through active and perceptual inference. We discuss how these theoretical perspectives can inform future research into osteopathy and mental health to reduce the burden of comorbid psychological factors in patients with persistent physical symptoms and support person-centered multidisciplinary care in mental health.

A Missing Voice: The Lingual Complex and Osteopathic Manual Medicine in the Context of Five Osteopathic Models

The five osteopathic models recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine guide clinicians in the evaluation and therapeutic choice which must be the most appropriate concerning the patient's needs. Skeletal muscles represent an important interpretation, such as screening and treatment, on which these models are based. A muscle district that is not considered by the usual osteopathic practice is the tongue. The lingual complex has numerous functions, both local and systemic; it can adapt negatively in the presence of pathology, just as it can influence the body system in a non-physiological manner if it is a source of dysfunctions. This paper, the first of its kind in the panorama of scientific literature, briefly reviews the anatomy and neurophysiology of the tongue, trying to highlight the logic and the need to insert this muscle in the context of the five osteopathic models. The clinician's goal is to restore the patient's homeostasis, and we believe that this task is more concrete if the patient is approached after understanding all the contractile districts, including the tongue.

The Importance of the Posterolateral Area of the Diaphragm Muscle for Palpation and for the Treatment of Manual Osteopathic Medicine

The eupneic act in healthy subjects involves a coordinated combination of functional anatomy and neurological activation. Neurologically, a central pattern generator, the components of which are distributed between the brainstem and the spinal cord, are hypothesized to drive the process and are modeled mathematically. A functionally anatomical approach is easier to understand although just as complex. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is part of osteopathic medicine, which has many manual techniques to approach the human body, trying to improve the patient's homeostatic response. The principle on which OMT is based is the stimulation of self-healing processes, researching the intrinsic physiological mechanisms of the person, taking into consideration not only the physical aspect, but also the emotional one and the context in which the patient lives. This article reviews how the diaphragm muscle moves, with a brief discussion on anatomy and the respiratory neural network. The goal is to highlight the critical issues of OMT on the correct positioning of the hands on the posterolateral area of the diaphragm around the diaphragm, trying to respect the existing scientific anatomical-physiological data, and laying a solid foundation for improving the data obtainable from future research. The correctness of the position of the operator's hands in this area allows a more effective palpatory perception and, consequently, a probably more incisive result on the respiratory function.

The effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on anaerobic performance and lactate clearance in male athletes: a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on anaerobic performance and lactate clearance in male athletes.

METHODS

This study was a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled and crossover trial. Fourteen male athletes were volunteered to participate this study. All subjects visited to laboratory 3 times in total: familiarization session, test session 1, and test session 2, respectively. At the beginning of the study, the subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: In sessions 1 and 2, (a) 30-minute OMT or sham treatment before Wingate anaerobic cycling test (WAnT), (b) 30-second WAnT test, and (c) 10-minute OMT or sham therapy between 5th and 15th minutes of passive rest after WAnT was applied to all subjects, respectively. In both groups blood samples were taken at rest and 5, 15 and 30 minute after the WAnT for the determination of lactate concentrations.

RESULTS

There was no significant differences in WAnT parameters such as peak power, mean power and fatigue index between the OMT and sham treatment. Blood lactate levels were significantly higher 5, 15 and 30 minute after the WAnT when compared to the rest and were lower 15 and 30 minute after the WAnT when compared to 5 minute after the WAnT in both groups (P < 0.05). In addition, blood lactate concentration was significantly lower in OMT than sham treatment at 15 and 30 minute after the WAnT (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that OMT may improve lactate clearance while not affecting anaerobic performance in athletes.

The rationale for including osteopathic manipulative treatment in the management of infections: a hermeneutic review

INTRODUCTION

As the prevalence of drug-resistant infections continues to outpace the development of new antibiotics, we must explore all reasonable options for enhancing the effectiveness of existing anti-infectives. The emergence of novel pathogens without initial drug treatments or vaccines, typified by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic, further underscores the need for non-pharmacologic adjunctive measures for infection management. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may represent such an adjunct.

AREAS COVERED

PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Cochrane databases and relevant chapters of major osteopathic texts were searched for animal experiments, case reports, observational studies, non-randomized, and randomized trials pertaining to infection, OMT, and the complications or safety of OMT. OMT was associated with one or more of the following: decreased bacterial colony counts in lung tissue; changes in immunologic profiles manifested by significant differences dendritic cells and levels of IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1a, and G-CSF; shorter durations of IV antibiotics; decreased length of hospitalization; decreased rates of respiratory failure and death; decreased post-surgical lengths of stay; and enhanced patient satisfaction.

EXPERT OPINION

Preliminary, lower-grade evidence suggests that OMT can improve some infection-related outcomes, and is safe. The role of OMT in infection management should undergo further controlled trials without delay.

Perceptions of nonopioid treatment for pain in a homeless population

CONTEXT

Opioid abuse has developed into a public health emergency within the last decade because opioid medications, while addictive, are effective and commonly used for pain management. In 2016, over 42,000 deaths were attributed to opioids. Chronic pain affects about 50% of people experiencing homelessness in the US, and they have a higher overall rate of chronic pain than the general population; opioids are among the methods they might use to manage that pain. Complementary and alternative therapies for pain management have largely gone unexplored in the homeless population.

OBJECTIVES

To determine, among people experiencing homelessness, the willingness to use and current use of complementary and alternative treatments (physical and massage therapy, chiropractic treatments). A secondary objective was to investigate awareness and perception of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as a complementary treatment for chronic pain among the homeless population.

METHODS

A 32 question survey was administered verbally to guests of True Worth Place Homeless Shelter in Fort Worth, Texas in three 4 hour sessions from February 2019 to April 2019. If participants gave verbal consent, a researcher read the questionnaire, one question at a time, and recorded the participant's responses. The survey included queries for opioid and nonopioid treatment modalities (physical and massage therapy, chiropractic, and OMT) to assess the perception of and current use of each among the population. Appropriate nonparametric statistical analysis was conducted to assess significance and correlations among the treatment groups.

RESULTS

Of the 200 survey participants, 126 (91.3%) reported a history of opiate use for pain, but 136 (68.0%) believed that a nondrug pain intervention could better treat their pain. Additionally, 150 participants (75.0%) believed that regular manipulation, including OMT, would decrease their need for pain medications. Participants with a history of opioid use for pain were more likely to believe that the availability of regular manipulation, including OMT, at True Worth Place could decrease their need for pain medication (odds ratio=3.7143; 95% confidence interval=1.6122-8.5572; p=0.0009). Moreover, some participants (141; 70.5%) were already pursuing nondrug pain management modalities such as PT, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. The greatest barriers to receiving OMT were transportation and cost.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey study was conducted to determine whether a homeless population would be willing to use nonopioid treatment, particularly OMT, for chronic pain management. Results revealed both a willingness to use and a previous use of nonopioid treatments for pain, along with a high prevalence of opiate use. Despite limited exposure to OMT, this population reported being potentially willing to pursue manipulation, including OMT, as a complementary treatment for pain relief alongside opioids if readily available.

Dropout associated with osteopathic manual treatment for chronic noncancerous pain in randomized controlled trials

CONTEXT

Reviews exploring harm outcomes such as adverse effects (AE), all cause dropouts (ACD), dropouts due to inefficacy, and dropouts due to AE associated with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) or osteopathic manual therapy (OMTh) are scant.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the overall AE, ACD, dropouts due to inefficacy, and AE in chronic noncancerous pain (CNCP) patients receiving OMTh through a systematic review of previous literature.

METHODS

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), EMCare, and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), and Ostmed.Dr, as well as the bibliographical references of previous systematic reviews evaluating OMTh for pain severity, disability, quality of life, and return to work outcomes. Randomized controlled trials with CNCP patients 18 years or older with OMTh as an active or combination intervention and the presence of a control or combination group were eligible for inclusion. In this sub-study of a previous, larger systematic review, 11 studies (n=1,015) reported data that allowed the authors to perform meta-analyses on ACD and dropouts due to AE. The risk of bias (ROB) was assessed with the Cochrane ROB tool and the quality of evidence was determined with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

The pooled analysis showed that ACD was not significantly different for visceral OMTh (vOMTh) vs. OMTh control (odds ratio [OR]=2.66 [95% confidence interval [[CI]], 0.28, 24.93]) or for OMTh vs. standard care (OR=1.26 [95% CI, 0.84, 1.89]; I²=0%). Single study analysis showed that OMTh results were nonsignificant in comparison with chemonucleolysis, gabapentin, and exercise. OMTh in combination with gabapentin (vs. gabapentin alone) and OMTh in combination with exercise (vs. exercise alone) showed nonsignificant ACD. Dropouts due to AE were not significantly different, but the results could not be pooled due to an insufficient number of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Most articles did not explicitly report AEs, ACD rates, or dropouts due to AEs and inefficacy. The limited data available on dropouts showed that OMTh was well tolerated compared with control interventions, and that the ACD and dropouts due to AEs were not significantly different than comparators. Future trials should focus on explicit reporting of dropouts along with beneficial outcomes to provide a better understanding of OMTh efficacy.

Mindfulness-based waiting room intervention for osteopathic manipulation patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial

CONTEXT

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and mindfulness-based interventions are both efficacious pain management strategies. Combining these two therapeutic approaches may offer added benefits to pain patients.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether engaging in a mindfulness-based intervention before an OMT session improved OMT session outcomes.

METHODS

Patients seeking OMT care from a single osteopathic physician at an integrative health clinic were recruited for this pilot randomized, controlled trial at an academic hospital. All patients scheduled for osteopathic structural evaluation and treatment with the provider from March 2019 to September 2019 were eligible and invited to participate during the reminder call before their visit. Participants were randomly assigned to listen to one of two audio recordings matched for length: (1) the history of osteopathic medicine, or (2) a guided mindfulness meditation practice. Patients completed surveys including numeric rating scales to measure mindfulness and embodied safety (a self-reported feeling that the patient's body was in a safe place) immediately before and after listening to the audio recording. A global pain rating report along with a sensation manikin (a digital human figure silhouette overlaid with a grid of 786 "sensation" pixels) capturing both pleasant and unpleasant sensation were collected before and after the OMT session. Session satisfaction was also assessed with a single survey item.

RESULTS

A total of 57 participants were enrolled in the study; however, 18 were unable to listen to the full audio recording and were excluded from further analysis. The final study sample consisted of 39 patients, with 19 (48.7%) randomized to the history audio recording and 20 (51.3%) randomized to the mindfulness recording. The mean age of patients was 57 years (standard deviation, 11.75 years); 25 (64.1%) were women and 14 (35.9%) were men. The most common primary pain location was the neck (16; 41.0%), followed by back (12; 30.8%) and joint (5; 12.8%). Twenty (51.3%) participants were cancer patients; 19 (48.8%) did not have a cancer diagnosis. Practicing mindfulness before OMT increased patients' sense of mindful connection to (p=0.036) and safety within (p=0.026) their bodies as well as their overall session satisfaction (p=0.037). Additionally, OMT paired with either study condition (mindfulness vs. history) decreased pain (p<0.001) and increased the ratio of pleasant to unpleasant sensations reported by patients (p<0.001). Finally, regardless of experimental condition (mindfulness vs. history), increased safety within the body predicted greater pain relief (β=-0.33, p=0.035) and larger sensation ratio changes (β=0.37, p=0.030) at the OMT session's end. Additionally, increased mindful connection to the body predicted less pain (β=-0.41, p=0.005) at the session's end.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating a mindfulness-based intervention with OMT and results suggest that having patients listen to an audio-guided mindfulness practice while waiting for their OMT session may increase their mindful connection to and safety within their bodies as well as their session satisfaction. This study also provides empirical evidence that OMT may increase the distribution of pleasant sensations reported by pain patients while decreasing the distribution of unpleasant sensations reported.