The AAO Journal, 2023/06, 33(2):25-26. doi: 10.53702/2375-5717-33.2.20, type of study: ,cr,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://meridian.allenpress.com/aaoj/article/33/2/20/493544/LBORC-NUFA-Poster-Abstracts-2023-Students)

Keywords:

case report [736]
male [861]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
stroke [20]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: About 1 in 4 people have a stroke, 75% of which occur in people 65, and up to 30% lead to permanent disability. Impairments are usually treated with physical therapy. Case: A 57 year-old male with a past medical history of 5 strokes presented with right shoulder pain and upper back pain. He had 6/10 pain when lifting his right arm above his shoulder, significantly restricting his ability to drive or even drink water. Despite multiple rounds of physical therapy after each stroke, he was frustrated by little improvement in his ability to perform ADLs. Physical exam showed restricted flexion in right hand and fingers, which was addressed with myofascial release, effleurage and petrissage of the forearm, MET for the radial head, and HVLA of the humeroulnar joint. OMT was also used to address somatic dysfunctions in: the cranium, ribs, posterior scalenes, paraspinal muscles. Modalities used included: muscle energy, counterstrain, balanced ligamentous technique, HVLA, myofascial release and osteopathy in the cranial field. Results: Over 3 visits spanning a year, the patient was amazed to finally drink water without spilling, and to have pain reduction in his upper back and shoulders from 6/10 to 0/10. Abduction ROM in his right arm improved by 70%, allowing him to drive. He discontinued physical therapy and continues to receive OMT. Discussion: This report suggests OMT enhances recovery of gross motor movements for stroke survivors when the current standard of care is lacking. Limitations include confounding variables like physical therapy and medications. The patient’s outcome suggests that OMT should be included in the current standard of care to improve gross motor movements in post-stroke patients.