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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Prevalence and profile of New Zealand osteopaths treating people experiencing headaches and migraines
Journal of complementary & integrative medicine, Vol.22(3), pp.501-511
2025
PMID: 39960006
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Objectives
To describe the prevalence and profile of NZ osteopaths treating people experiencing headaches and migraines. This study is the first to describe this practice.
Background
Manual and manipulative therapy interventions are commonly sought by individuals experiencing headaches or migraines. Evidence supports the use of manual therapy as part of the management of headache and migraine disorders. Osteopaths are health professionals who provide care for individuals experiencing headaches and migraines. However, there is a lack of data concerning the profile of osteopaths treating these conditions, in addition to their diagnostic and management strategies.
Methods
The Osteopathy Research Connect-New Zealand (ORC-NZ), a practice-based research network for the New Zealand osteopathy profession, was established, and recruitment occurred between August to December 2018.
Results
Two hundred and seventy-seven respondents provided responses to the headache and migraine items on the ORC-NZ practice questionnaire. Of these respondents, 235 (84.8 %) indicated treating headaches often, and 107 (38.6 %) indicated treating migraines often. Osteopaths who reported often treating patients with migraines and headaches were more likely to report clinically supervising associates and be co-located with a general practitioner. In terms of management, they tend to use HVLA, are likely to treat TMJ in the case of migraines, and the thoracic spine for patients with headaches. Further, NZ osteopaths frequently refer patients with migraines and/or headaches to other practitioners.
Conclusions
NZ osteopaths treat patients with migraines and/or headaches and frequently refer them to other practitioners. NZ osteopaths are aware of the inter-professional approach required for this patient population.
Details
- Title
- Prevalence and profile of New Zealand osteopaths treating people experiencing headaches and migraines
- Creators
- Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira - University of Technology SydneyBrett Vaughan - University of Technology SydneyJerry Draper-Rodi - University of Technology SydneyLee Muddle - University of Technology SydneyLoïc Treffel - University of Technology SydneyCindy McIntyre - University of Technology SydneyMichael Fleischmann - University of Technology SydneyFrancesco Cerritelli - University of Technology SydneyKesava Kovanur Sampath - University of Technology SydneyAmie Steel - University of Technology Sydney
- Publication Details
- Journal of complementary & integrative medicine, Vol.22(3), pp.501-511
- Publisher
- De Gruyter
- Grant note
- The ORC-NZ project is funded by Osteopaths New Zealand.
- Identifiers
- 991013260673902368
- Copyright
- © 2025 the author(s)
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article