Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on therapy used by osteopathic physicians, is sometimes explored as a complementary approach for asthma management. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine concluded that OMT might improve lung function and quality of life in asthmatic patients. However, the authors noted the overall quality of the included studies was low, with small sample sizes and methodological limitations.
The potential mechanisms proposed for OMT in asthma include improving rib cage mobility, reducing musculoskeletal restrictions, and influencing the autonomic nervous system. Despite these theories, major clinical guidelines for asthma, such as those from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), do not currently recommend OMT as a standard treatment due to insufficient robust evidence.
Experts emphasize that OMT should not replace conventional asthma therapies, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, which are proven to control inflammation and symptoms. Patients interested in complementary therapies like OMT are advised to discuss them with their primary healthcare provider to ensure they are integrated safely with their established treatment plan.
