Cystic Fibrosis and the Benefits of Manual Therapy
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a rare, progressive genetic disease that affects multiple systems in the body, primarily targeting the lungs and digestive system. In people with CF, mucus in the lungs becomes thick, blocking airways and trapping germs, which makes it difficult to breathe and leads to frequent respiratory infections. In the digestive system, thick mucus can block the release of digestive enzymes, preventing the body from absorbing food and nutrients, leading to malnutrition and poor growth. People with CF may experience a range of symptoms, such as:
Persistent coughing, sometimes with phlegm
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Difficulty gaining weight despite having a good appetite
Trouble with bowel movements or frequent greasy, bulky stools
Frequent lung infections (such as pneumonia or bronchitis)
Chronic nasal infections
Very salty-tasting skin
"Clubbing" or enlargement of fingertips and toes
Thanks to advances in research and medicine, the survival rate for people with CF has improved significantly. According to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, the median age of survival is now 59.9 years.
The Benefits of Manual Therapy
As people with CF are living longer, new challenges arise, particularly related to their bones and muscles (musculoskeletal system). Over time, musculoskeletal issues become more common as the body adjusts not only to the natural process of aging but also to the progression of the disease. These changes can affect both the structure and function of the body.
For people with CF, keeping the musculoskeletal system healthy is essential for maintaining good posture and supporting efficient breathing. Proper posture helps protect the body’s structures from injury and allows the lungs, heart, and digestive organs to function at their best. However, many individuals with CF develop poor posture due to symptoms like digestive issues and chronic coughing.
Manual therapies like osteopathy can help manage CF symptoms by maintaining mobility in the body. Osteopathy uses gentle techniques to relieve tension in the muscles and connective tissues (fascia), helping improve the movement of the chest and abdomen. This can lead to better breathing and digestive function. Some specific benefits include:
Releasing tension in the diaphragm
Improving rib mobility for better breathing
Visceral manipulation to improve the motility of the digestive and respiratory systems.
It’s important to note that osteopathy should be used alongside pulmonary physiotherapy and lung exercises, not as a replacement. As a complementary treatment, osteopathy can play a valuable role in managing the symptoms of CF.
References:
About cystic fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.cff.org/intro-cf/about-cystic-fibrosis
Ball, K. T., Kraft, D. E., & Snider, K. T. (2021). Effects of osteopathic manipulation and other manual manipulative treatments on cystic fibrosis. The AAO Journal, 31(3), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.53702/2375-5717-31.3.17
Cystic fibrosis canada. About cystic fibrosis. (n.d.). https://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/about-cf/what-is-cystic-fibrosis
Modlin, S. E., Borofka, K., Franzini, D., Klene-Bowns, A. C., & Nuño, V. A. (2019). OMT for the Prevention and management of chronic constipation and distal intestinal obstructive syndrome in cystic fibrosis: A pilot study. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 119(7), E31–E35. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2019.084
Sandsund, C. A., Roughton, M., Hodson, M. E., & Pryor, J. A. (2011). Musculoskeletal techniques for clinically stable adults with cystic fibrosis: A preliminary randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy, 97(3), 209–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2010.08.016
