The role of touch in osteopathic clinical encounters – A scoping review

Objectives

This study aimed to scope the current scientific evidence about the role, use and effects of touch in the form of assessment and manual therapy intervention during osteopathic clinical encounters, in order to provide an up-to-date understanding of the use of hands-on modalities in the field of musculoskeletal (MSK) treatment. The primary research question was “what is the role of touch during osteopathic clinical encounters?”.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken including all types of research on the topic of touch within the manual therapy world; the neurophysiology of touch; the contextual factors and non-specific effects connected to that. PubMed, Ovid Medline, Ovid Amed, Ovid Emcare and PEDro were searched from 2001 to December 2021. The search was then updated in August 2022.

Results

45 papers were included; much of the available literature revolved around the role of C-Tactile fibres and their interaction within the brain in relation to manual therapy; there is evidence about the non-specific and contextual factors’ influence in this interaction and the communication established between patient and practitioner, as well as treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Touch can be considered a means through which osteopaths can interact with the patient as a person in a way that goes above and beyond their MSK presentation to enhance better general health and adaptation. However, paucity of data, low quality of evidence and methodological flaws warrant caution in the interpretation of the findings.