Is manual osteopathy treatment safe

Manual osteopathy is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal and joints complaints. Although manual osteopathy has an Excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with manual osteopathy, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following manual osteopathy treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise or massage. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following soft tissue therapy typically fades within 24 hours.

It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain -- prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) -- as these treatments may carry risks significantly greater than those of manual osteopathy treatment. According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen.