Osteopathic treatments and the techniques used in the treatment of acute mechanical low back pain

The efficacy of osteopathic treatments used in acute low back pain (LBP) is largely unknown. The study examined the number of student osteopathic treatments for uncomplicated acute LBP, as well as the specific osteopathic techniques, and combinations of treatments most commonly used. One hundred and ninety nine patient files from the Victoria University (VU) student clinic were examined. The most popular combinations of techniques used were soft tissue (ST) and High Velocity Low Amplitude thrust (HVLA) 10.77%. The most commonly used individual technique was ST, incorporated in 75.4% of all treatments performed. This study illustrated the average number of treatments as well as treatment techniques and the combinations of techniques student osteopaths used in treating acute LBP at the VU student clinic. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program