Manal Zein-Hammoud and Paul R. Standley published a research paper in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association in 2015. The researchers investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms OMT generates upon the main fascial cells: fibroblasts. Fibroblasts respond to mechanical force (different strains) with secretion of anti-inflammatory chemicals and growth factors, thus improving muscle repair and wound healing processes. Their experimental laboratory findings (based on “treating” a bioengineered tendon) suggest that changing OMT modalities (technique magnitude, duration, direction and frequency of strain) affects cell function (cellular mechanisms) relevant to healing in vitro. This research helps understand the underlying (molecular) mechanisms of osteopathy and might, therein, help osteopathy gain recognition in evidence-based medicine.
Zein-Hammoud, M. et Standley, P.R., 2015. Modeled Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments: A Review of Their in Vitro Effects on Fibroblast Tissue Preparations. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 115(8), 490-502.