A Pilot Study on Osteopathic Approaches to Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Sally Hunt                                                                                                            Supervisor: Robin Kirk 

Abstract

Studies have shown that up to 25% of the UK population may be affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) at some point of their lives (Patient UK, 2005). In 2000, Corrine Brice, a registered osteopath, completed comprehensive research into the efficacy of osteopathic treatment of IRS. The study indicated that the patients receiving osteopathic treatment benefited more than those receiving allopathic treatment. It follows, therefore, that osteopaths should be seizing the opportunity to use their skills to help the growing number of lBS sufferers.

A questionnaire was sent to 200 osteopaths, with the aim of ascertaining the

following - any patterns that exist in the osteopathic treatment of IRS, with regard to the practitioner, for example in terms of sex, years in practise, graduating college and expertise. The second purpose relates to the condition itself, how well it is understood within the osteopathic community; whether osteopaths believe they can treat it, whether it is being treated by osteopaths; and how it is being treated.

The study concludes with some suggestions with regard to areas where more information may be required by osteopaths, the most popular types of treatments, and what further research might be useful.

It was found that the osteopathic community (with a minority of exceptions) has a generally good understanding of the symptoms of lBS. The causes of the condition are less well understood (in line with the medical profession as a whole). Visceral osteopaths are the most likely within the community to be treating the condition. Although a high proportion of osteopaths believe lBS can be successfully treated by osteopathy, and are actively treating it, very few advertise themselves as being able to treat the condition. A significant number of practitioners are never asked to treat the condition.