Hypertension and Osteopathic Treatment

W. Robertson

This thesis sets out to determine if there is a relationship between osteopathy and a change in the health of adult patients with hypertension (HTN), and if it is safe to treat these patients using osteopathic treatment (OT). It is important to note that osteopathy is not a form of medicine that concerns itself with the treating of disease, as is the case with allopathic medicine.

After a description and discussion of the anatomy, physiology and embryology of the vascular system, relevant scientific papers are described and discussed.
From the appraisal and criticism of the included papers, it is apparent that in no singular occurrence of OT was it reported as causing harm to any patient. This alone is an important factor when considering OT as a viable treatment as part of a multi-disciplined approach to patient care within the group of vascular hypertensive patients. Patient safety should always be at the forefront of any healthcare providers mind.

With regard to the results of this literature study, the most promising evidence was found in studies where patients underwent full osteopathic treatment. These studies originate mainly in Italy. The results showed both improvements in the blood pressure and structural changes which are commonly seen in pathologies relating to HTN.

May 2021

Literature Study

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