Osteopathic Family Physician, 2026/07, 18(3):20–25, type of study: review

Free full text   (https://acofp.org/docs/default-source/ofp/vol-18-no-3-summer-2026/05_integrating-osteopathic-manipulative-medicine-into-hospice-care.pdf?sfvrsn=533e98b_1)

Keywords:

hospice [3]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
OMT [3924]
anxiety [71]
review [753]

Abstract:

Hospice patients often experience persistent dyspnea, anxiety, and pain despite pharmacologic treatment. OMT is a gentle nonpharmacologic adjunct that may support comfort and reduce symptom burden near the end of life. However, hospice-specific clinical evidence describing OMT use remains extremely limited. This narrative review summarizes the available hospice and end-of-life literature related to OMT, highlights appropriate techniques, and discusses practical considerations for integrating OMT into interdisciplinary hospice care. Expanding hospice-focused osteopathic education and research may help define OMT’s role in improving comfort, dignity, and whole-person care at the end of life.