An Osteopathic Approach to Tinnitus

Can Osteopathy Help with Tinnitus?
Images taken from the Journal of American Osteopathic Association: ​260•JAOA•Vol108•No5• May2008
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It is important to note that Osteopaths cannot legally claim to be able to "cure or treat Tinnitus". The reason for this is a lack of evidence. However, that doesn't mean we cannot try to work out an underlying cause, and do our best to reduce or remove that factor. If after reading the Osteopathic approach, and below that the testimonials of real patients, you think "it is worth a shot, I'll give it a go" then please do give me a ring, and we can discuss treatment options. The average patient would be offered 4 treatment sessions for £100, and a follow up phone-call. If Osteopathic intervention would help you, I would expect it to have had a good effect within those 4 sessions.
Typical approach with a patient:
    Step One - Case History and Examination: 
The first thing we would try to find out is what the cause of the tinnitus is. If the upper neck is "jammed up" or there is liquid behind the ear, or if pressure changes are an element ("popping" the ears) then we would likely move on to...
    ...Step Two - Treatment:
Treatment would depend on the findings in step one. Typically, the neck might be gently adjusted by the Osteopath, but only if the patient is totally comfortable with it. After that:
PictureThe anatomy of the inner ear. Note how the Eustachian tube opens up behind your ear. You know when your ear "pops" in an airplane? That is the action of this tube, which controls the pressure behind the ear. If the tube is blocked in any way, it can be a cause of tinnitus.
   
    One: The patient sits and drinks a glass of water quickly with the nose pinched. This creates pressure that helps to draw blockages in the Eustachian tube downwards.

    Two:  The patient then lies down on their back, whilst turning the head to the left or right according to the Osteopaths' instructions.

    Three: The Osteopath applies a pumping action to the chin. He does this by standing behind the patients turned head, and gently drawing the chin across to one side.

    Four: The Osteopath then gloves a hand, enters the oral cavity and uses an "indirect" or "modified" muncie technique.

PictureThe Muncie technique is an Osteopathic intra-oral approach to open up and drain that tube. If the tinnitus is secondary to Eustachian tube dysfunction, then this treatment might decrease the tinnitus.
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   Five:  If the patient tolerates this well, the Osteopath advances to the full muncie technique. This can cause a gag reflex, and it is up to the patient's judgement as to whether the direct or modified approach is preferred.

    Six: The practitioner for a second time applies a pumping action to the chin.

    Seven: The patient again sits and downs a glass of water with a pinched nose.
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    Eight: The patient is advised to not "pop" his or her ears, even if the desire is there. This will normally mark the end of treatment for the Eustachian tube.
Testimonials
L.C, Barry Machine Operator (2017) - Tinnitus
​"When I first came to Rob, my tinnitus in my right ear was 10 out of 10. I've said to the missus, I would rather live with one arm than this! I've been seen by Rob 4 times over one month, and the tinnitus has reduced to 4/10. Really big change!"
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