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Opportunities to Incorporate Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Within Cancer Rehabilitation and the Current State of the Evidence

  • Cancer Rehabilitation (C Kline-Quiroz, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Cancer rehabilitation involves addressing the impact of cancer and its treatments upon the function of an individual. The goal of this paper is to determine how osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can be utilized in treating common conditions seen in cancer rehabilitation, such as post-mastectomy pain syndrome and radiation fibrosis, to improve pain and function.

Recent Findings

Numerous studies have shown that OMT is beneficial for managing common musculoskeletal pain. A small but growing body of evidence suggests that OMT can help reduce cancer-related pain, improve physical function, and increase well-being in the cancer patient population.

Summary

Most OMT techniques can be used, as a complement to traditional rehabilitation therapies, to relieve pain and improve joint mobility after cancer treatment. More research is needed to investigate which techniques are most beneficial for specific impairments.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwell Health, Bay Shore, NY, USA

    Patrick Martone

  2. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA

    Genevieve Marshall & Susan Maltser

  3. Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA

    Chanel Davidoff

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  1. Patrick Martone
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  2. Genevieve Marshall
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  4. Susan Maltser
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Correspondence to Patrick Martone.

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Martone, P., Marshall, G., Davidoff, C. et al. Opportunities to Incorporate Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Within Cancer Rehabilitation and the Current State of the Evidence. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 10, 324–331 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-022-00371-6

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