Study
Osteopathic Treatments Show Promise for Pain Relief in Seniors with CRPS
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may help reduce pain and improve mobility in seniors with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Pain ManagementHealthy AgingJoint Health
Summary
In plain language
A recent review explored the potential of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for managing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition often affecting seniors. The study found that techniques like myofascial release and counterstrain could help reduce pain and improve movement in those suffering from CRPS. While the evidence is limited to a few small studies and case reports, these treatments may offer relief where other therapies have failed. This research is important for seniors, as managing pain effectively can greatly enhance their quality of life. Seniors facing CRPS should consider discussing these findings with their healthcare providers to explore possible treatment options.
Details
Use the full description to understand the study design, methods, and the limits of the findings.
This scoping review examined existing research on osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for CRPS, focusing on its effectiveness in pain management and mobility improvement.
The study reviewed a small number of case reports and observational studies involving OMT techniques like myofascial release and counterstrain.
Findings suggest these techniques may improve pain and increase range of motion, particularly in CRPS patients.
However, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes and a lack of comprehensive studies, meaning results may not be generalizable to all seniors.
For seniors dealing with CRPS, discussing these potential treatments with a healthcare provider could be a valuable step toward better managing their condition.
Full Study
Open the original publication for the complete methods, outcomes, and source material.
Osteopathic Treatments Show Promise for Pain Relief in Seniors with CRPS
Published January 2026 · DOI 10.7759/cureus.106748
Opens at the publisher · external site · may require institutional access
Research Quality Score
Assessment
The study is a scoping review of osteopathic manipulative treatment for CRPS, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. It provides a broad overview but lacks the depth of a systematic review or meta-analysis. The methodology is transparent, and bias control measures are in place. However, the study does not specifically focus on seniors, and the journal is mid-tier.
Category Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Study Design / Evidence Level | 5.0/10 | |
| Bias & Methods | 6.7/10 | |
| Statistical Integrity | 5.0/10 | |
| Transparency | 10.0/10 | |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure | 5.0/10 | |
| Replication / External Validation | 5.0/10 | |
| Relevance to Seniors | 5.0/10 | |
| Journal Quality | 5.0/10 |
Additional Notes
The study provides a useful synthesis of existing literature but should be interpreted with caution due to its scoping nature and lack of senior-specific analysis.
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Treatments Evaluated in This Research
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