Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Creating a Difference in Pain Levels for Patients With Localized Joint Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a therapy utilized by osteopathic physicians in diverse clinical environments. Among the many uses, OMT may be used in attempts to relieve pain in patients. Joint pain is among the most common causes of pain, with millions worldwide suffering from joint pain. This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of OMT in creating a difference in pain levels for patients with localized joint pain. This meta-analysis, comprising three studies and 187 patients, found a mean difference in pain between OMT and non-OMT groups using the common effects model to be -3.09 (-3.57; -2.61) with p<0.0001, suggesting that OMT resulted in a significant pain difference in those with joint pain. However, the random effects model showed a mean difference of -1.80 (-7.31; 3.78), which was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the meta-analysis at hand had a heterogeneity measure, known as I, at 96%, suggesting that the results should be interpreted with caution. Further analysis showed that shoulder pain reduction had a significant influence on the overall study results, and sub-analysis showed that OMT can result in a significant reduction in pain in patients with localized shoulder pain, with a mean difference of -4.28 (-4.86; -3.70) and p<0.0001. Overall, given the discrepancy in results between the common effects model, random effects model, and high heterogeneity, a conclusive statement on whether OMT can cause a significant difference in joint pain cannot be made. Further research with standardized treatment lengths, larger sample sizes, and more homogeneous patient populations is needed to accurately assess the true impact.