Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of osteopathic manipulative medicine: A survey study

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine

Abstract

Background: Because the practice of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) put practitioners at risk of contracting COVID-19, they had to adjust treatment practices for active COVID-19 cases and local restrictions or regulations. Objective: To assess practitioner environment when treating COVID-19 patients with OMM and the general impact of the pandemic on the practice of OMM. Methods: In October 2020 and March 2022, we distributed surveys to DO-Touch.NET members. Both surveys included 11 questions about treating patients with active COVID-19 and practice changes caused by the pandemic. The second survey also included 4 questions about treating long COVID and 1 question about practice changes in the previous 6 months. Results: Of 206 responses, 40 reported local restrictions or regulations prevented use of OMM for patients with active COVID-19, but 57 performed OMM on these patients, mostly through outpatient services. Main reasons for not treating COVID-19 patients were lack of opportunity, local protocol restrictions, and personal health concerns. Of 71 responses for the second survey, 48 treated patients with long COVID, primarily in the outpatient setting. The main reason for not treating these patients was lack of opportunity. The most frequently reported practice changes included adoption of universal COVID precautions and screening for COVID. Conclusion: Study results suggested the COVID-19 pandemic had an immediate, worldwide impact on the practice of OMM by reducing available services to patients with active COVID-19. Although the effectiveness of OMM for treating COVID-19 or long COVID remains unknown, these results may be useful to prepare for future pandemics.

DOI

10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100784

Publication Date

12-1-2025

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