Posts by: Patrick van Dun

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

Despite the care provided, some newborns, who are perfectly healthy, show functional alterations that impair a good breast attack in the first few days. This situation often leads to the early failure of lactation. We conducted a randomized single-blind controlled trial to evaluate whether four weeks of osteopathic treatment can normalize the sucking score in a group of neonates with impaired lactation ability. Forty-two healthy full-term neonates were enrolled in this study. On the basis of the sucking score and the assessment of the infant’s breastfeeding skills, infants who had intrinsic breastfeeding difficulties were selected. The inclusion criteria were healthy infants born > 37 weeks, a suction score ≤ 6, and any breast milk at enrolment. At the end of the study, the sucking score was significantly greater in the osteopathic group than in the untreated group; the median sucking score in the treated group was in the normal range, while it remained lower in the untreated group. At the end of the follow-up, the percentage of exclusively breastfeeding infants in the treatment group increased by +25%. This pilot study demonstrates the efficacy of early osteopathic intervention to relieve breastfeeding difficulties in newborns in the first few weeks of life … MORE

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