Osteopathic manipulative treatment and nutrition: An alternative approach to the irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

A simple treatment plan for manual therapists is presented based on current evidence-based literature, it is designed to lessen chronic pain and inflammation in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A chronic continuous or intermittent gastrointestinal tract dysfunction, IBS appears due to dysregulation of brain-gut-microbe communication. An overview of its management using Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is described. In IBS OMT focuses on the nervous and circulatory systems, spine, viscera, thoracic and pelvic diaphragms in order to restore homeostatic balance, normalize autonomic activity in the intestine, promote lymphatic flow and address somatic dysfunction. Lymphatic and venous congestion is treated by the Lymphatic Pump Techniques and stimulation of Chapman's Reflex Points. The food itself, food allergies and intolerance could contribute to symptom onset or even cause IBS. Furthermore the "microbiota" greatly impacts on the bi-directional braingut axis communication. This paper also provides appropriate dietary modifications for patients with IBS.

Osteopathy and Emergency: A Model of Osteopathic Treatment Aimed at Managing the Post-Traumatic Stress—Brief and Useful Guide—Part 2

“…Since ostheopatic philosophy and practice is based on the body's innate ability to self-regulate, we believe that SD can alter muscle tone, generate a contracture and modify the elasticity/compliance of soft tissues and interfere with physiological and mental processes leading to emotional changes [23].…”

An Alternative Approach to the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Manual Techniques and Nutrition

“…The OMT provides the patient with relaxation, normalized autonomic control mechanisms, congestion and symptom relief, and better control over his/her reactions to stress [12].…”

“…GERD is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis recorded during visits to outpatient clinics [12]. Although not considered a severe illness [26], it is one of the most common disorders of the gastrointestinal system [27].…”

Regional Interdependence: A Model That Needs to Be Integrated in the Functional Evaluation and Physiotherapy Treatment—Part 1

“…The patellar pain syndrome (PFPS) seems to be associated with functional alterations hip, ankle, foot [18]. For the front quadrant: it's possible to detect an association between anterior visceral pain and lower back pain, although there are very few studies investigating the mechanisms [7] [21]- [24]. These three quadrants through the RI model might make more complete the functional evaluation of the symptoms in daily practice, so we reported three case reports, each related to a quadrant (Figure 1).…”