Unpublished MSc thesis, Wiener Schule für Osteopathie, 2008/11, 116, type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/2971)

Keywords:

thrust techniques [2]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
OMT [3924]
osteopaths [269]
osteopathic technique [17]
cross sectional study [894]
WSO [508]

Abstract:

Study Design Quantitative survey based on a questionnaire Outline/Problem Definition In discussions with osteopaths who have been in practice for quite a while I sometimes noted a complete rejection of the thrust techniques. Research Question & Objective Are thrust techniques less often used the longer an osteopath is in practice? Hypothesis Are thrust techniques less often used the longer an osteopath is in practice? What are the causes for this: dislike, insecurity and/or lack of success in the use of the technique? Relevance for the Patients The patient can be sure that an osteopath will treat him in a holistic way and not only with, for example, cranio-sacral therapie. Relevance for Osteopathy In the future the impulse techniques have to be taught in a comprehensive way. The knowledge about the techniques, their effect and contraindications needs to be conveyed because the therapists have to take on more and more responsibility. In the holistic sense of osteopathy it would be desirable to preserve the whole range of treatment techniques. Methodology Development of a quantitative questionnaire which was sent to all 211 Austrian osteopaths who graduated from the Vienna School of Osteopathy (reference date: April 5, 2007) Results The return rate was 55,5%(117 returned questionnaires). Experienced osteopaths thrust more rarely than their less experienced collegues. Female osteopaths follow this trend to a greater extent than their male counterparts. How often thrust techniques are used does strongly depend on how much the therapist likes the technique and not so much on whether the therapist masters the technique succesfully and feels confident in using it. Critical Reflection/Perspectives/Conclusions More experienced osteopaths delay the use of impulse techniques. A follow-up study could evaluate what are the exact reasons for this hesitation.