The influence of cultural philosophies on clinical practice of spinal manipulation: A comparison in Chinese manipulative therapy versus New Zealand osteopathy for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Supplementary material
Other Title
Authors
Zhao, Yu
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Osteopathy
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2022-11
Supervisors
Anderson, Helen
Palfreyman, Sue
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
New Zealand
musculoskeletal disorders of the back
spinal manipulation
clinical reasoning
Chinese manipulative therapy
osteopathic medicine
cultural differences
Citation
Zhao, Y. (2022). The influence of cultural philosophies on clinical practice of spinal manipulation: A comparison in Chinese manipulative therapy versus New Zealand osteopathy for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Osteopathy (Professional)). Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6100
Abstract
AIMS Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is one of the most widespread therapeutic manipulations. This study aims to explore the influence of cultural philosophies on the clinical practice of SMT to identify the similarities and differences between SMT applied in CMT and OMT. This information may be useful to ascertain whether CMT approaches can be utilised to inform current osteopathic treatment and vice versa. DESIGN This research used an exploratory-descriptive qualitative approach. Recruitment of participants utilised the researcher’s personal social networks, including alumni groups from her schools. The researcher's close friends were not included for ethical considerations. Data was collected during six semistructured interviews and recorded over web-based video meeting software. The data was analysed through thematic analysis. FINDINGS Five themes of similarity and four themes of difference emerged through the interviews and data analysis process. The findings suggest that while both osteopathy and CMT share similar philosophies, they differ in their interpretations of certain concepts. Both approaches adopt a holistic view of the human body and prioritise patient-centred practice. However, their understanding and application of these concepts vary. CMT participants focus on the flow of Qi and blood, whereas osteopath participants emphasise biomechanics. Despite these differences, many clinical practices, such as case history taking and treatments, are similar. Notably, the study found that osteopath participants placed a greater emphasis on involving patients in the management plan compared to CMTs. These findings highlight the nuanced distinctions between CMT and osteopathy, shedding light on their respective treatment approaches and patient engagement strategies CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that the clinical practice of CMT and New Zealand osteopathy for musculoskeletal disorders are similar. However, cultural differences bring many conceptual and practical differences. Future research across a wider group of CMTs and osteopaths will provide a further understanding of these differences.
Publisher
Link to ePress publication
DOI
Copyright holder
Author
Copyright notice
All rights reserved
Copyright license
Available online at