A comparison between the treatment and management approaches of osteopaths and physiotherapists towards acute lumbar disc prolapse

Item

Title
A comparison between the treatment and management approaches of osteopaths and physiotherapists towards acute lumbar disc prolapse
Title
A comparison between the treatment and management approaches of osteopaths and physiotherapists towards acute lumbar disc prolapse
Author(s)
Khambay Muntej
Abstract
Objective: To compare and contrast the treatment and management strategies employed by osteopaths and physiotherapists towards acute lumbar disc prolapse (LDP) and to evaluate the adherence to the clinical knowledge summaries (2009) for lumbar radiculopathy (CKSLR) by both professions. Method: A postal questionnaire was sent to 122 osteopaths and 122 physiotherapists along with an invitation letter to take part in the study and a stamped self-addressed envelope. Questions about treatment and management were asked in relation to a clinical case scenario. Responses were based on a likert-scale and yes or no answers. Results: The total response rate was 24%. Physiotherapists placed significantly greater importance on remaining active, advising analgesics to counter pain and cardio respiratory exercise; this in line with CKSLR (2009) guidance. Osteopaths placed significantly more importance on referral of the patient for MRI; this was not coherent with CKSLR (2009). Significantly more osteopaths would use high velocity thrust (HVT)/Maintland grade V (MMGV) and manual traction to treat the patient, modalities not recommended by the CKSLR (2009). Conclusions: Statistically significant differences between the osteopathic and physiotherapist approaches have been identified. While the latter conforms to the CKSLR, the former does not. This study highlights a fundamental need for understanding the factors considered in the assessment of success of LDP treatments by physiotherapists, osteopaths and NHS CKSLR.
Abstract
Objective: To compare and contrast the treatment and management strategies employed by osteopaths and physiotherapists towards acute lumbar disc prolapse (LDP) and to evaluate the adherence to the clinical knowledge summaries (2009) for lumbar radiculopathy (CKSLR) by both professions. Method: A postal questionnaire was sent to 122 osteopaths and 122 physiotherapists along with an invitation letter to take part in the study and a stamped self-addressed envelope. Questions about treatment and management were asked in relation to a clinical case scenario. Responses were based on a likert-scale and yes or no answers. Results: The total response rate was 24%. Physiotherapists placed significantly greater importance on remaining active, advising analgesics to counter pain and cardio respiratory exercise; this in line with CKSLR (2009) guidance. Osteopaths placed significantly more importance on referral of the patient for MRI; this was not coherent with CKSLR (2009). Significantly more osteopaths would use high velocity thrust (HVT)/Maintland grade V (MMGV) and manual traction to treat the patient, modalities not recommended by the CKSLR (2009). Conclusions: Statistically significant differences between the osteopathic and physiotherapist approaches have been identified. While the latter conforms to the CKSLR, the former does not. This study highlights a fundamental need for understanding the factors considered in the assessment of success of LDP treatments by physiotherapists, osteopaths and NHS CKSLR.
presented at
British School of Osteopathy
Date Accepted
2011
Date Submitted
3.2.2012 00:00:00
Type
osteo_thesis
Language
English
Pub-Identifier
15069
Inst-Identifier
780
Keywords
Osteopaths, physiotherapists, lumbar disc prolapse, sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy, treatment, management, clinical guidelines, evidence
Recommended
0
Item sets
Thesis

Khambay Muntej, “A comparison between the treatment and management approaches of osteopaths and physiotherapists towards acute lumbar disc prolapse”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 22, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/1767