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Impact of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Delivering Comprehensive Care in Populations with Disabilities

Journal: The AAO Journal Date: 2025/06, 35(2):Pages: 25. doi: Subito , type of study: pretest posttest design

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/2/article-p13.xml)

Keywords:

Costa Rica [1]
disability [40]
OMT [3752]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3772]
pretest posttest design [217]

Abstract:

Introduction: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provide support to socioeconomically disadvantaged countries in the form of services (e.g. educational, healthcare) and material resources, but addressing the mental and emotional needs of the communities is especially challenging. Hands with Heart Foundation (HwH), an osteopathic volunteering organization that serves people with disabilities globally, exemplifies how leveraging osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can empower healthcare NGOs to care for communities more holistically. Methods: In June 2024, osteopathic medical students and faculty from WesternU COMP joined European osteopaths on a HwH “medical mission“ to Cartago, Costa Rica. The team partnered with local schools and agencies providing OMT treatments (articulatory, myofascial release, craniosacral, and other techniques) in one-hour appointments to over one hundred children and adults with cognitive or physical disabilities. Improvements in somatic dysfunctions were measured through pre- and post-treatment screenings, with follow-ups offered as needed. Results: Post-treatment, patients demonstrated significant improvements in joint range of motion, gait coordination, and functional capacity including sleep and mood. HwH volunteers were able to address patients' emotional and spiritual needs by creating a safe environment, being present, and attuning to nonverbal cues. The time spent with patients during treatments also allowed HwH volunteers to engage their family members in meaningful conversations and encourage them on their caretaking journeys. Conclusion: HwH serves as a model for integrating hands-on therapy, to address physical, emotional, and developmental needs of global communities. HwH provided osteopathic medical students the opportunity to utilize OMT to benefit individuals with disabilities as well as their families. The mission exemplified caring for individual’s mind, body, and spirit, while highlighting the importance of community, demonstrating the value of expanding the accessibility of OMT especially amongst populations with disabilities.


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