Posts by: Patrick van Dun

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) presents a significant challenge for manual therapists. Recent advancements in pain research have highlighted the limitations of the traditional biomedical and biopsychosocial models, prompting the exploration of alternatives. The biopsychosocial-enactive (BPS-E) model has emerged as a promising alternative. This study aims to explore the application of the BPS-E model by manual therapists in managing CLBP and to initiate a meaningful dialogue about its use … MORE

Manual and manipulative therapy interventions are commonly sought by individuals experiencing headaches or migraines. Evidence supports the use of manual therapy as part of the management of headache and migraine disorders. Osteopaths are health professionals who provide care for individuals experiencing headaches and migraines. However, there is a lack of data concerning the profile of osteopaths treating these conditions, in addition to their diagnostic and management strategies. The objectives of this study is to describe the prevalence and profile of NZ osteopaths treating people experiencing headaches and migraines. This study is the first to describe this practice … MORE

The role of contextual effects in musculoskeletal pain research and clinical practice has garnered growing interest in recent years. While ongoing research has advanced knowledge, it has also sparked debate between clinicians, clinical trialists and other researchers. The controversy over contextual effects in musculoskeletal pain research and practice highlights the tension between leveraging their therapeutic potential and minimizing them to preserve treatment specificity … MORE

Mechanistic studies on manual therapy (MT) have potential to allow better understanding of ‘why’ and ‘how’ MT interventions provide an effect. Contextual factors (CF) include the multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic inputs outside of the specific intervention which influence response. CFs must be accounted for within both clinical and mechanistic trials. The influence of CFs provides several challenges and opportunities which are outlined within this commentary. Researchers should consider the specific purpose of their research when developing mechanistic trials to establish if controlling versus recording CF is warranted based on their aim(s) … ABSTRACT

Although there is evidence supporting positive outcomes for osteopathic healthcare during pregnancy and post-natal phases, there is very little that describes the practice and management characteristics of osteopaths providing this healthcare. The aim of this study is to describe the specific characteristics of Australian and New Zealand osteopaths who often treat pregnant women and children … MORE

Chronic pain management is challenging. Those with chronic pain present to health professionals, including osteopaths. This study looked at information from a survey of osteopaths in New Zealand. We wanted to learn about the backgrounds and types of treatment given by osteopaths who often help patients with chronic pain versus those who don’t … ABSTRACT