Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Pulmonary Function in a Parkinson’s Disease Patient

Abstract

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms including resting tremor, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, and postural instability. Parkinson’s patients can also exhibit respiratory symptoms. The muscle rigidity associated with PD has been found to be highly correlated with the severity of pulmonary dysfunction. This case details the treatment of a 73-year-old PD patient who presented with acute dyspnea that resolved with application of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Treatment focused on addressing thoracic cage musculoskeletal restrictions, balancing autonomic flow, and improving circulatory and lymphatic flow. The patient’s respiratory symptoms were alleviated despite a lack of significant pulmonary function test changes immediately post-treatment. This case demonstrates the positive effect of integrating OMT for the treatment of pulmonary symptoms in PD.