Helping Young Asthma Sufferers Breathe Easier With Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has a therapeutic effect on young children with asthma, a study has shown. Following the use of OMT, the peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) for children increased by 25%-75%. The study also showed that OMT significantly improved pulmonary function in pediatric patients with asthma.



Around 1 in 6 Australian children are currently diagnosed with asthma, according to the Asthma Foundations of Australia. In addition, the prevalence level and mortality rate for pediatric asthma across the world is rising, making this study particularly relevant.


The randomised controlled trial took place over 2 years and included children between the ages of 5 and 17 years. Out of the 140 children who participated, 90 children received OMT by an Osteopathic practitioner, while the other 50 children received simulated OMT (a sham procedure) performed by an allopathic practitioner.



Patients in the OMT group for this study showed a (mean) increase of PEFs by 13L per minute, while the children in the simulated OMT group demonstrated no increase at all. PEF readings are widely understood as a good indicator of asthma severity and patient response to treatment. This study adhered to the 1989 Asthma Management Plan guidelines.



Osteopathy is a safe noninvasive treatment for young children with asthma. "Osteopaths often work in cooperation with GP's or natural therapists who oversee the medications and environmental factors of asthma sufferers", says Scott Baxter, Federal President of the Australian Osteopathic Association (AOA).


Osteopathy is a form of drug-free, manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the Musculoskeletal framework. This framework is integral to the respiratory system, so the more effective the Musculoskeletal system is, the more effective the respiratory system can be. OMT works on all aspects of the breathing mechanisms, including the ribs, spine, diaphragm and other muscles of breathing; nerve supply to the chest; and the blood supply to the airways and lungs.



"The role of the Osteopath is to increase the mobility of the ribs and joints of the thorax, free the constricted diaphragm and intercostal-muscles between the ribs. By freeing the rigidity of the chest and assisting the blood, nerves and lymphatics in the area, the patient is able to breathe more easily," says Baxter from the AOA.



Osteopathy can be utilised as the primary form of health care or in addition to the care provided by a General Practitioner. Osteopathy is acknowledged by all major health funds as well as Medicare Plus and attracts a rebate with a GP referral for chronic conditions.



Study cited:

Guiney PA, Chou R, Vianna A, et al.

Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment on pediatric patients with asthma: a randomized controlled trial.

J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2005;105:7-12.


Australian Osteopathic Association

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