Journal of Osteopathic Medicine April 2026: Why don’t more physicians use osteopathic manipulative medicine? A cross-sectional study of utilization and referral barriers

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Access expires on Mar 19, 2029

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Credit Offered

1 AOA Category 1-B Credit

OVERVIEW
Evidence supports osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) as an effective manual therapy, although it remains underutilized by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). Understanding barriers preventing the broader adoption of OMM is essential to expanding access to it as a noninvasive treatment option. We set out to survey both DOs and non-DO clinicians to identify perceived barriers to OMM. Survey items were adapted from prior studies utilizing an iterative refinement process that included cycles of pilot testing with revisions. Participants were recruited internally from Mayo Clinic Midwest – a large, multistate, healthcare system in the Midwest region of the United States – utilizing internal email. Participants were given a descriptive survey that was developed with support from the Mayo Clinic Survey Research Center.

Authors: Stephen K. Stacey, DO, FAAFP; Anthony Furlano, DO; Joanne Genewick, DO; Erin Westfall, DO; Bryan Gordon, DO; Jiwan Toor, DO

OBJECTIVES

Review the potential uses and application of osteopathic manipulative medicine in clinical practice
Outline the perceived barriers to utilizing osteopathic manipulative medicine in clinical practice
Discuss potential reasons for referral of patients for osteopathic manipulative medicine

Expiration Date: March 31, 2029

The AOA designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 1-B Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.