Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Dystrophy

Osteopathic manipulative treatment, a non-invasive modality, is believed to reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility and activities of daily living in children with chronic reflex sympathetic dystrophy. To test this hypothesis, the researchers examined children (ages 7-14) previously diagnosed with chronic reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the left upper extremity. The children were refractory to a variety of clinical, pharmacologic and surgical interventions.

Subjective findings were chronic upper extremity and upper thoracic pain, headaches, and difficult inspiration. Clinical examination of the children revealed the following similar structural findings: audible stridor, decreased Range Of Motion in elbow and wrist extension, allodynia, left subscapularis tenderpoints, and fascial restrictions of the left thoracic inlet and left forearm and wrist.

Manipulative techniques were applied to areas of somatic dysfunction. After six month of bimonthly treatment, the researchers noted the following: stridor resolved, full Range of Motion of the wrist and elbow, fascial restrictions greatly improved, and tender points resolved. Subjective findings correlated with those observed by each researcher and the patients' families.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment is a beneficial adjunct in the treatment of children with chronic reflex sympathetic dystrophy; it maximizes function without the financial, education, and emotional burdens of more invasive therapies.
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Effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on reflex sympathetic dystrophy in children. K Heinking, BS, et al. 37th Annual AOA Research Conference Abstracts, 1993.