NMM/OMTCLINICAL PRACTICE

Potential therapeutic effects of adjunct osteopathic manipulative treatments in SARS-CoV-2 patients

Benna Jacob, BS; Mehak Sawhney, BS; Aarthi Sridhar, BS; Berlin Jacob, BS; Jeffrey Muller, DO; Reem Abu-Sbaih, DO; and Sheldon C. Yao, DO, FAAO
Notes and Affiliations
Notes and Affiliations

Received: October 30, 2022

Accepted: January 23, 2023

Published: April 21, 2023

  • Benna Jacob, BS, 

    New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

  • Mehak Sawhney, BS, 

    New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

  • Aarthi Sridhar, BS, 

    New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

  • Berlin Jacob, BS, 

    New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

  • Jeffrey Muller, DO, 

    Department of Clinical Specialties, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

  • Reem Abu-Sbaih, DO, 

    Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

  • Sheldon C. Yao, DO, FAAO, 

    Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA

J Osteopath Med; 123(7): 343-349
Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects various human organ systems, including the lymphatic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurologic systems. The utilization of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) techniques has been clinically effective in the alleviation of various upper respiratory infection symptoms. Consequently, the use of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in SARS-CoV-2 patients as adjunct treatment can be beneficial in promoting overall recovery. This paper attempts to address the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the cellular level and its downstream effects. Subsequently, osteopathic principles were investigated to evaluate potential therapeutic effects, providing a holistic approach in the SARS-CoV-2 treatment. Although the association between the benefits of OMT on clinical improvement during the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic can be seen, further investigation is required to establish a direct correlation between OMT and symptom management in SARS-CoV-2.

Read Full Article