A systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In the meta-analysis, OMT showed statistically significant results for abdominal pain and constipation compared to sham treatment/no intervention.
A literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Cinahl, Scopus, PEDro and ClinicalTrials.gov.
Out of 350 articles, six studies (five RCTs and one ongoing RCT) were considered eligible.
The quality of evidence for IBS symptoms was generally rated “low” for abdominal pain and constipation.
OMT has been shown to be safe in the treatment of IBS, with no major adverse effects.
In the meta-analysis, OMT showed statistically significant results for abdominal pain (effect size ES = -1.14 [-1.66, -0.62]; p < 0.0001) and constipation (ES = -0.66 [-1.12, -0.20]; p = 0.005) compared to sham treatment/no intervention.
OMT may be effective in IBS patients, but the results must be interpreted with caution due to the low methodological quality of the studies.
What was examined and treated if necessary?
In one study the epigastric zone and the large intestine in relation to the small intestine and the parietal planes as well as the sutura occipitomastoidea.
In another study, both direct techniques (pressure with the hand on each segment of the spine for 90 seconds) and indirect techniques (pressure on the segment with the hands, knees or chest) as well as the viscera were treated.
In one study, the sacrum was regularly treated as well as visceral areas classified as sensitive by pressing and vibrating the fingers.
In another study, direct techniques (pressure with the hand on each segment of the spine for 90 seconds) and indirect techniques (pressure on the segment with the hands, knees or chest) were performed.
Frictions, vibrations, inhibitions or rebounds were standardized in the abdominal projection of the junction where the trigger zones are located. Check also OSTEOPATHY AND RICE GUT
Buffone F, Tarantino AG, Belloni F, Spadafora A, Bolzoni G, Bruini I, Bergna A, Vismara L. Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Healthcare (Basel).
2023 Aug 31;11(17):2442.
