British Osteopathic Journal, 2000, 2223-26, type of study: ,cct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Keywords:

irritable bowel syndrome [42]
IBS [36]
visceral osteopathy [99]

Abstract:

Osteopathy believes the body has the ability to heal itself, and treats dysfunction by manipulation. Treatment benefits the patient by providing relaxation, normalising extrinsic and intrinsic autonomic control mechanisms and relieving congestion. The primary purpose of this research was to compare the efficacy of osteopathic and allopathic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a hospital environment. Forty IBS patients diagnosed by a gastroenterological consultant using the accepted Rome Criteria received either allopathic or osteopathic treatment. Their symptoms were assessed using a symptom diary before commencing treatment, six weeks and three months post treatment. Results indicate that osteopathic treatment was effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in both the short and long term. Also, that osteopathic treatment was significantly more effective than allopathic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.