Osteopathic manipulative medicine in palliative care

Abstract

Objectives: 1. Discuss the osteopathic medicine-palliative care relationship. 2. Review and discuss OMT studies that have been conducted in the palliative care setting. 3. Discuss four osteopathic medicine techniques applicable to palliative care and demonstrate these osteopathic techniques during the lab portion of the workshop Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a whole-person approach to health care. The osteopathic philosophy honors the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellness. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance. Since osteopathic medicine identifies that structure affects function, the musculoskeletal system is regarded as the conductor that organizes and coordinates the different systems to act in concert with each other to optimize wellness in the total being. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) involves use of a practitioner's hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Muscles and joints are mobilized using gentle techniques, including stretching, light pressure, and resistance. When appropriate, OMT can complement or even serve as an alternative to drugs or surgery, providing an important dimension to traditional medical care. An advanced application of OMT is demonstrated in end-of-life and comfort care. Osteopathic medicine partners extremely well with palliative care because both approaches value the interrelationships of mind, body, and spirit in efforts to relieve suffering, restore dignity, and enhance quality of life. Research studies have shown the effectiveness of OMT in palliative care, and more studies are currently underway. Along the palliative pathway, not all of the osteopathic manipulative techniques are appropriate for symptom management. A specialized subset of manipulative techniques has been found to be effective in treating symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, insomnia, and fatigue. In this workshop, participants will learn of the osteopathic medicine-palliative care relationship, discuss the osteopathic techniques used in palliative care, and practice these techniques during the lab portion of the workshop. The workshop format will be interactive and hands-on. The content is best suited for osteopathic physicians, allopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nursing personnel, and allied health providers. Psycho-social health providers are also welcome. Domain: Physical Aspects of Care.