Contribution of osteopathic medicine to care of patients with chronic wounds.

Since its inception, osteopathic medicine has been concerned with the lymphatic system. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of lymphatic osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) techniques in affecting fluid management and immune function. Many of the functions provided by the lymphatic system and augmented by OMT are necessary for proper wound healing. The authors highlight the unique contribution of the lymphatics to wound healing, as well as the unique contribution of OMT to lymphatic-directed treatment of patients with chronic wounds. The authors propose that this information be used as a basis for research into the effects of OMT on chronic wound healing in patients.