About Osteopathy
What is the evidence base
Osteopathy is a relatively young profession, although it’s roots can be traced back through the bone-setting tradition. Ancient Egyptian and Asian cultures used manual interventions, and spinal adjustment is documented in the time of Hippocrates.
Osteopaths are continually practising and refining their skills. Their knowledge is passed on from one generation to the next via the teaching schools and in group practices.
Having been helped by an osteopath, patients go on to recommend the approach to others in need: this is the best kind of approval and referral, as it is entirely genuine (not contrived by those with a vested interest).
In spite of, or perhaps due to, the strength of tradition within the profession, there has been little activitiy to conduct large scale research into the efficacy of osteopathy. Large scale trials are extremely costly, and with no ‘product’ to market at the end, funding for such ventures is hard to come by.
However one such study, the UK back pain exercise and manipulation trial (UKBEAM 2004) confirmed that patients receiving manipulation as well as exercise and advice did better, both short and long term, than those that did not. This trial included 1334 participants.
Another indicator of best practice are the NICE guidelines for osteoarthritis (Feb 2008). They recommend the use of manual therapy (manipulation and stretching), and strenghthening excercises and advice, as part of the intervention package.
There are lots of small projects and clinic audits which support the evidence base for osteopathy, some of which can be found on our LSO Undergraduate Research page.
Patients tell their own stories – click here to find out more.