By Jose S. Figueroa, DO; Drew D. Lewis, DO; Ryan D. McMunn, OMS IV
In the growing pandemic of COVID-19, the reality many face includes limited access to testing, limited personal protective equipment for health care workers and the general public, and high risk of infection to those on the front lines of providing essential care. With a lack of effective treatment or vaccine in the immediate future, the importance of public health efforts to decrease the burden the current pandemic places on the health care system is important for the well-being of all. In this situation, the usefulness of self-administered measures that can be performed at home to support the body to maintain health are increased.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) has been shown in numerous studies to support the body’s own healing mechanisms, including beneficial effects on respiratory infections.
Based on well-established osteopathic principles, this osteopathic self-treatment (OST) aims to promote optimal breathing and circulation to support the function of the immune and nervous systems while helping reduce stress and maintain balance in the body.
This OST provides exercises designed to remove obstacles to the body’s own functions and therefore promote health. It is useful for those at risk of infection or those already testing positive for COVID-19. There is utility in these approaches for patients that must self-isolate and socially distance such as during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
