Considerations for an Osteopathic Approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. The condition causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and sometimes deformity in the affected joints. RA can also affect other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart, and eyes, and it can lead to long-term disability if left untreated. By this report, we aim to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) as a treatment option for RA, with a focus on the patient’s symptoms and overall quality of life, and (2) identify best practices for incorporating OMM into a larger treatment plan for RA. We present a vignette case of a 56-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of RA treated with OMM. While awaiting hydroxychloroquine clearance, the patient was treated with radiocarpal extension dysfunction (post isometric relaxation), counter strain of the dorsal wrist, and high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) of the posterior radial head dysfunction with a supination emphasis. On follow-up, the patient noticed significant relief of her symptoms after treatment and reported that her pain level had diminished to 0/10. This report highlights the effectiveness of OMM in treating RA symptoms. The patient’s follow-up information supports the initial improvement in symptoms and suggests that OMM may reduce wrist pain in a patient with RA a few weeks posttreatment. Further studies should be evaluated to see the effectiveness of OMM techniques for RA across an entire patient population.