Naprapathy
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Naprapathy (Czech náprava, correction - from napravit, to correct) - is a branch of complementary medicine (Manipulative therapy), that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Doctors of Naprapathy (naprapathic physicians) are connective tissue specialists, but are not Doctors of Medicine (MD).
Naprapathic treatment consists of naprapathic manipulative techniques, adjunctive (additional) treatments, and nutritional counseling.
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[edit] Availability
Naprapathy was founded in the early 1900s by Dr. Oakley Smith, an early chiropractic pioneer, who called his manual medical technique naprapathy. It is an alternative to chiropractics which focuses on spine and subluxations. Naprapaths working with the spine emphasize the underlying ligaments.[1]
The oldest and largest naprapathic school is the National College of Naprapathic Medicine in Chicago. The NCNM offers a four-year program, a 3 year accelerated program and a five-year program. Graduates receive a DN or Doctor of Naprapathy degree.
In Sweden, naprapaths - doctors of naprapatic medicine, (D.N. or DN) undergoing a 5 year full time education at the Scandinavian University-College of Manual Medicine currently are the biggest group [of] practitioners of orthopaedic medicine. Naprapaths in Sweden are licensed by the state board of health and welfare. In Finland, naprapathic studies are held in Kotka at the University of Applied Sciences.
Naprapaths can accept insurance reimbursement, but some are cash-based practitioners. Naprapaths utilize their hands and also modalities (such as ultrasound, electical stimulation, cryotherapy and lasers) to manage neuromusculoskeletal and soft tissue related pain.
Naprapaths in the US are licensed as Doctors of Naprapapthy in Illinois and New Mexico, regulated in Ohio and may also practice in California, New York, Florida, Texas, Washington and other states where freedom of access statutes permit one to practice as a naprapathic doctor without a license. Although the term Oakley Smith Method is trade marked, the word naprapathy is not.
Massage therapists who want to practice naprapathy in California, Florida or other states in which naprapathy is not regulated can complete an unregulated online DN program e.g. Glendale University, or the Blue Heron Academy which is recognized by the American Manual Medicine Association, and the North American Naprapathic Association and the American Institute of Naprapathic Medicine, but not by NCNM, the ANA or the INA.
Psychotherapy (and hypnotherapy) are within the scope of practice for Naprapaths and Naprapaths who practice psychotherapy are eligible for membership in the Chicago Open Chapter for the Study of Psychoanalysis.
[edit] Research
A study conducted at the Department of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden compared naprapathy with evidence-based care for back or neck pain regarding pain, disability, and perceived recovery.[2]
Four hundred and nine patients with pain and disability in the back or neck lasting for at least 2 weeks, were included in a randomized controlled trial. The two interventions were: naprapathy, including spinal manipulation/ mobilization, massage, and stretching; and support and advice to stay active and how to cope with pain, according to the best scientific evidence available, provided by a physician (Control Group). Pain, disability, and perceived recovery were measured by questionnaires at baseline and after 3, 7, and 12 weeks.
The results showed that at 7-week and 12-week follow-ups, statistically significant differences between the groups were found in all outcomes favouring the naprapathy Group. At 12-week follow-up, a higher proportion in the naprapathy group had improved regarding pain, disability, and perceived recovery. Separate analysis of neck pain and back pain patients showed similar results. The study concluded that naprapathy might be an alternative to consider for back and neck pain patients.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Beideman RP (1994). "Oakley Smith's schism of 1908: the rise and decline of naprapathy". Chiropr Hist 14 (2): 44-50. PMID 11613385.
- ^ Skillgate E, Vingård E, Alfredsson L (2007). "Naprapathic manual therapy or evidence-based care for back and neck pain: a randomized, controlled trial". Clin J Pain 23 (5): 431-9. doi:. PMID 17515742.
