Forum for Osteopathic Research New Zealand FOR-Nz

18/09/2025

🦴 Osteopaths & ACC: What the Data Reveals
New research shows that over half of osteopathic clients in NZ are ACC-funded, with newer practitioners relying on ACC support even more. Most commonly treated? Back, neck, and shoulder injuries.
✅ Highlights:
• Osteopaths play a vital role in NZ’s injury care system
• Continued ACC funding is key for equitable access & workforce sustainability
• First study to map this relationship at a national level
📊 Based on a nationwide survey of NZ osteopaths
🔍 Calls for further research into health system impacts
Really excited and happy on the publication of this important work. Cherished every aspect of the study. Berg thank you heaps for your contributions. Lloyd-Paine thanks for your leardership as the then ONZ president to get this going. Clive Standen and Paul Orrock thanks for all your inputs :)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1746068925000446
ACC New Zealand Osteopaths New Zealand

25/06/2025

For those with an interest in the osteopathic care of infants, this 2025 comprehensive Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Conservative Interventions in children aged 0 to 5 years with Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) -
Thanks to Antares for sharing this paper.

* Was conducted without language or discipline restriction (never done before)
* Searched more than 22 databases and Trial Registers (many more than previous systematic reviews)
* Located and included 100 RCTs and quasi-RCTs (including five RCTs investigating the effects of osteopathic techniques)
* Considered ten specific treatment outcomes including range of neck motion, symmetric head posture and adverse events
* Formed novel meta-analyses (meta-analyses not seen previously in the literature)
* Found low to very low certainty evidence that adding manual therapy to a control intervention may result in a greater improvement in the range of passive cervical rotation, passive cervical lateroflexion, active cervical rotation, thickness of SCM tumour and head tilt
* Importantly, trials involving osteopathic manual therapy contributed to the findings
* The certainty of the evidence was downgraded due to a combination of high risk of bias in studies and study heterogeneity. Many studies were either not well conducted or not well reported (or both)
* Nevertheless, adding manual therapy including osteopathic techniques may help key outcomes in patients aged CMT

See here --

25/06/2025

Another month, another fantastic webinar coming up
🌀 Managing Scoliosis in Osteopathic Practice 🌀
We’re excited to welcome Dr Azharuddin Fazalbhoy, leading osteopath, researcher, and Assistant Associate Dean at RMIT University, to deliver an essential CPD webinar on evidence-based scoliosis care.
With a PhD in pain neurophysiology and specialist training in Scolibrace and Scolibalance, Dr. Fazalbhoy brings a wealth of clinical and academic expertise—especially in non-surgical scoliosis management across paediatric and adult populations.
This session will cover:
✅ Early detection techniques
✅ Hallmarks of progression
✅ Key examination and diagnostic protocols
✅ Classification systems and treatment pathways
A must-attend for clinicians ready to elevate their spinal care knowledge and practice!
Register here: https://lnkd.in/gtPznHD8

01/05/2025

Perhaps of interest for us. Firstly, we treat this population (and treat them well). Secondly, this study because highlights the significant physical and psychological impact of postpartum symptoms, such as pelvic pain and incontinence, on new mothers. Understanding the barriers to accessing pelvic and women’s health physiotherapy allows us to recognize an opportunity to provide complementary care, offering musculoskeletal support to improve recovery. Furthermore, by staying informed about these issues, we can advocate for better integration of services and contribute to a more holistic approach to postpartum care, improving outcomes for mothers in their recovery process.
Full text available on request:

“I'm sorry, I can't. I feel the tears coming on already”: The views of mothers, midwives and physiotherapists on postpartum recovery in New Zealand ML Roberts Prize Winner Authors Ariana Watane Physiotherapy Department, Centre for Health and Social Practice, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wint...

28/04/2025

Fantastic paper here! hot off the press 👇

Background Infantile asymmetries of posture, movement and/or shape are common. Coincidence in the presentation of asymmetrical features can lead to a broad spectrum of descriptors. Published guidelines on prevention strategies are not currently available. The objective of this systematic review was....

25/02/2025

📢 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: Combined New Zealand and Australia Osteopathic Conference, 2025 📢
Are you passionate about shaping the future of osteopathy? We invite you to submit your abstract for the "Integrative Osteopathy: Foundations and Future Hybrid Conference," happening 5-7 September 2025 in Auckland! 🌏✨
This year’s theme, "Where Tradition Meets Innovation," explores the dynamic evolution of osteopathy. We welcome abstracts that delve into:
✅ Tech Meets Touch – How is technology enhancing hands-on care? From AI assistance with clinical reasoning to wearable tech, let's explore innovation in osteopathy.
✅ Mind Over Matter – The power of mental resilience, pain management, and the mind-body connection in osteopathic/allied health practice.
✅ Stronger Together – Collaboration between osteopaths, allied health professionals, and researchers to elevate patient care. key word: hashtag
✅ From Student to Specialist - Supporting growth, mentorship, and continuous education in osteopathy.
✅ Beyond the Clinic – The expanding role of osteopaths/manual therapists in community health, sports medicine, and holistic wellness.
✅ Cultural Competency in Osteopathy – Understanding diverse patient needs and integrating culturally responsive care.
✅ Health System Analysis – The role of osteopathy in healthcare systems, policy, and future developments.
💡 Key Dates:
📅 Abstract Submission Deadline: April 4, 2025
📅 Acceptance Notification: May 9, 2025
📅 Conference Date: September 5, 2025

🔗 Submit your abstract now: https://lnkd.in/gf9cW2QK

Please note that before you can make a submission, you will be prompted to log in or set up an account with Oxford Abstracts.

Let’s shape the future of osteopathy together! 🏥💙 hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

Note: If you are an allied health practitioner, physiotherapist, manual therapist, pain specialist/expert, etc and would like to present on any of the themes above, we do welcome you with open arms. Alternatively, if you would like to do a 'peer review', please message me too! any help would be fantastic :)
We look forward to receiving your submissions (Research Organizing Committee: Jack Feehan, Zoe Steele, Rebecca Mowat and Kesava Kovanur Sampath.
Osteopaths New Zealand Osteopathy Australia Member Forum

15/01/2025

🌍 A New Era in Osteopathic Research 🤝
We are thrilled to announce the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) and the Osteopaths New Zealand Research Committee (ONZ-RC). This partnership bridges the UK and New Zealand, creating a dynamic framework for collaboration in the field of osteopathic medicine.
What does this mean?
✨ Joint research projects advancing osteopathy.
✨ Shared expertise and scientific exchange.
✨ Collaborative workshops, webinars and publications.
✨ Strengthened global ties in research and innovation.
For Clinicians:
✔ Access Cutting-Edge Research: Stay informed on joint projects and findings that shape osteopathic practice globally.
✔ Professional Development Opportunities: Participate in conferences and workshops organized collaboratively by NCOR and ONZ-RC.
✔ Enhanced Clinical Practice: Leverage insights from shared expertise and new publications to improve patient outcomes.
✔ Global Networking: Connect with fellow professionals across the UK and New Zealand to expand your professional horizon.
For students:
✨ Learning Opportunities: Participate in conferences, workshops, and events organized.
✨ Mentorship & Networking: Connect with leading researchers and clinicians from the UK and New Zealand for guidance and inspiration.
✨ Future Career Prospects: Build your professional profile through exposure to international research and collaborations.
✨ Practical Knowledge: Gain valuable, evidence-based insights to enhance your clinical training and patient care approach.

This MoU is not just a document—it's a commitment to enhancing the future of osteopathy through cooperation, innovation, and shared goals.

This could not have been possible without the proactive and constructive leadership of Jerry Drapper-Rodi and Anj Young.

Osteopaths New Zealand

Looking forward to enhanced research collaboration and learning.
More reasons to join our Special Interest Group:

Sign up here: https://wintec.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e9bbSS6h4tEutr8

11/01/2025

🌟 Join Our Research Special Interest Group! 🌟
Are you passionate about advancing osteopathic medicine through research? Join a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to exploring and contributing to the field of osteopathy. This is your chance to make an impact, grow your knowledge, and collaborate with peers across Aotearoa! 🩺✨

📢 Why Join the Osteopathic Research Special Interest Group?
✅ Be part of cutting-edge research initiatives
✅ Network with fellow osteopaths and researchers
✅ Access valuable resources to enhance your practice
✅ Contribute to the growth of osteopathic medicine in New Zealand

💡 Who can join?
Osteopaths and students based in New Zealand—whether you’re experienced in research or just curious, everyone is welcome!

📋 Express Your Interest Today!
Fill out this form to get started: https://wintec.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e9bbSS6h4tEutr8

Let’s shape the future of osteopathy together! 🙌
Osteopaths New Zealand

11/01/2025

🌟 Join Our Osteopathic Research Special Interest Group!
Are you passionate about advancing osteopathic medicine through research? Join a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to exploring and contributing to the field of osteopathy. This is your chance to make an impact, grow your knowledge, and collaborate with peers across Aotearoa! 🩺✨

📢 Why Join the Osteopathic Research Special Interest Group?
✅ Be part of cutting-edge research initiatives
✅ Network with fellow osteopaths and researchers
✅ Access valuable resources to enhance your practice
✅ Contribute to the growth of osteopathic medicine in New Zealand

💡 Who can join?
Osteopaths and students based in New Zealand—whether you’re experienced in research or just curious, everyone is welcome!

📋 Express Your Interest Today!
Fill out this form to get started: https://wintec.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e9bbSS6h4tEutr8

Let’s shape the future of osteopathy together! 🙌

09/01/2025

We're thrilled to welcome you to the first webinar of 2025 by Niklas Sinderholm Sposato, Med. Dr. (Ph.D.)
Dr. Niklas will present groundbreaking findings from four studies on the musculoskeletal aspects of care in cystic fibrosis.
This talk will shed light on the critical role osteopaths can play in multidisciplinary, person-centered care by focusing on:
✨ Enhancing thoracic mobility
✨ Effective pain management
✨ Supporting respiratory function
Discover how musculoskeletal interventions, like manual therapy, can seamlessly complement broader healthcare strategies to improve the quality of life for individuals with complex and rare conditions.
📅 Don’t miss this opportunity to explore innovative care approaches and engage in a meaningful discussion.
Join us here: https://tinyurl.com/26hy35cn

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag
SOLAR_ARCCIM Osteopaths New Zealand

Dr. Niklas Sinderholm Sposato will share findings from four studies exploring the musculoskeletal aspects of care in cystic fibrosis. This talk highlights the potential role of osteopaths in multidisciplinary, person-centered care, focusing on thoracic mobility, pain management, and respiratory supp...

05/01/2025

Happy New Year 2025 Everyone.
Fantastic start to the year with our reliability study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia
Our study reveals promising findings in neuropathic pain diagnostics! We show that key miRNAs linked to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) can be reliably detected in saliva. These miRNAs—miR-16, miR-124, miR-132, and miR-134—may offer a noninvasive way to diagnose neuropathic pain. Interestingly, no significant difference was found between European and Pacific populations in their expression patterns, highlighting the potential for universal applications. hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

11/12/2024

Below are the findings from our recent study exploring how New Zealand osteopaths and manipulative physiotherapists approach the diagnosis and treatment of upper back pain (UBP). 💡
🔍 What We Found:
A multimodal approach is overwhelmingly viewed as essential for effective UBP management (77% strongly agree).
Key differences emerged in how these professions understand and treat UBP. For example:
Osteopaths are more likely to consider causes like 'wear and tear' or 'visceral referred pain' and employ techniques like spinal and rib manipulations.
Physiotherapists take a distinct approach, complementing the diversity in care options available to patients.
💭 Why It Matters:
UBP is a disabling condition affecting many, and understanding these profession-specific practices helps enrich patient care. By shedding light on these differences, we hope to encourage collaboration and dialogue across disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
📚 What’s Next?
Our study underscores the need for qualitative research to dive deeper into these approaches and their impacts. The journey to improving UBP care continues!
A huge thank-you to all the practitioners who contributed to this study. Your insights are invaluable. 🙌
Let’s keep the conversation going—what are your thoughts on the role of multimodal approaches in managing musculoskeletal pain?


Thanks, New Zealand Manipulative Physiotherapists Association (NZMPA) and Osteopaths New Zealand, for disseminating the survey link to your membership.

Manual therapy is routinely used in the management of upper back pain (UBP), a disabling condition. However, the approach to diagnosis and treatment techniques used by manipulative physiotherapists...