Posts by: Patrick van Dun

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been demonstrated to have an effect on the autonomic nervous system, which may have antiarrhythmic effects. The effects of OMT in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have not previously been reported. This study investigated the impact of OMT on quality of life (QOL) in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of OMT on QOL in CIED patients … MORE

Chiropractic, osteopathy, and physiotherapy (COP) professionals regulated outside the United States traditionally incorporate hands-on procedures aligned with their historical principles to guide patient care. However, some authors in COP research advocate a pan-professional, evidence-informed, patient-centered approach to musculoskeletal care, emphasizing hands-off management of patients through education and exercise therapy. The extent to which non-Western sociocultural beliefs about body representations in health and disease, including Indigenous beliefs, could influence the patient–practitioner dyad and affect the interpretation of pillars of evidence-informed practice, such as patient-centered care and patient expectations, remains unknown … MORE

To address chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain effectively, a multidimensional model of care such as the biopsychosocial (BPS) model may be required. However, to date, the incorporation of the BPS model into osteopathic practice by New Zealand (NZ) osteopaths is unknown. Hence, the aims of this study were to: 1) investigate the incorporation of the BPS model into osteopathic practice by NZ osteopaths; (2) explore the attitudes and perceptions about the BPS model among NZ osteopaths; and (3) investigate the barriers to implementing the BPS model in NZ osteopathic practice … ABSTRACT

Engaging in clinical research includes confronting challenges about the uncertainty around outcomes and ramifications the results may have on practice. This is pertinent for osteopathy where little is known about the experiences of osteopaths involved in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of osteopaths who participated in a randomised controlled trial for infantile colic. The study was informed by a principles-based approach to clinical ethics and their application to practice … MORE

Osteopathic physicians employ the Sub Occipital Release (SOR) manipulation technique to promote wellness and modulate the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). It has been found that this technique promotes relaxation and balance throughout the body. The principle behind SOR involves targeting mechanoreceptors found within the deep fascia, connective tissue, and muscles of the sub occipital area. By effectively balancing the ANS, SOR techniques are believed to alleviate stress and improve blood flow in the suboccipital region. This could potentially relieve any potential compression on the vagus nerve, enhancing vagal activity in cardiac myocytes. The primary objective of this research is to examine how SOR impacts cardiac control, specifically using QT variability as a surrogate measure … MORE

This paper investigates the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of osteopathy students who had opportunity to engage with differing curriculum interventions focused on patient communication, and compare these with those of industry professionals … ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to global disability and health burden. Manual therapy (MT) interventions are commonly recommended in clinical guidelines and used in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Traditional systems of manual therapy (TMT), including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and soft tissue therapy have been built on principles such as clinician-centred assessment, patho-anatomical reasoning, and technique specificity. These historical principles are not supported by current evidence. However, data from clinical trials support the clinical and cost effectiveness of manual therapy as an intervention for musculoskeletal conditions, when used as part of a package of care. The purpose of this paper is to propose a modern evidence-guided framework for the teaching and practice of MT which avoids reference to and reliance on the outdated principles of TMT. This framework is based on three fundamental humanistic dimensions common in all aspects of healthcare: safety, comfort, and efficiency. These practical elements are contextualised by positive communication, a collaborative context, and person-centred care. The framework facilitates best-practice, reasoning, and communication and is exemplified here with two case studies … MORE