Osteopathic manual manipulation in post-stroke depression: A case report
Description
Depression affects approximately one in three people following a stroke, most commonly within the first year. The current standard of care for post-stroke depression does not differ from a non-stroke patient. Few studies have investigated the application of Osteopathic Manual Manipulation (OMM) within psychiatric conditions; however, studies have demonstrated its potential in downregulating the body’s stress response. In this case study, we explore the use of OMM as an adjunct intervention for new-onset depression symptoms following a stroke.
This case report follows a 64-year-old female who presented to an outpatient behavioral health clinic for depressed mood, with onset following a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke four months prior. She had no history of behavioral health concerns or use of psychotropic medications. She opted for psychotherapy to treat depression, declining medication management. Despite six months of psychotherapy, her depressive symptoms continued to worsen. This patient underwent three OMM treatments, each two weeks apart, addressing the cranium, cervical spine, thoracic inlet, and associated musculature. We collected PHQ-9, symptom-specific ratings, and provider assessments. At initiation of OMM treatments, her PHQ-9 was 5 with noted “emotional lability” and “tearfulness.” Over a six-week course, her PHQ-9 decreased to zero, suggesting absence of depressive symptoms. The patient subjectively noted that she felt better immediately following her first OMM session and having “no symptoms” after three consecutive treatments.
This case suggests the potential of integrating OMM within the treatment of new-onset depression following a stroke, with resolution of depressive symptoms following three OMM treatments.
Citation Information
Voehl, Avery; Hunt, Regan; Van Liew, Julia R.; and Brunia, Autumn, "Osteopathic manual manipulation in post-stroke depression: A case report" (2026). Office of Research DMU Research Symposium. 33.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/researchsymposium/2025rs/2025abstracts/33
Osteopathic manual manipulation in post-stroke depression: A case report
Depression affects approximately one in three people following a stroke, most commonly within the first year. The current standard of care for post-stroke depression does not differ from a non-stroke patient. Few studies have investigated the application of Osteopathic Manual Manipulation (OMM) within psychiatric conditions; however, studies have demonstrated its potential in downregulating the body’s stress response. In this case study, we explore the use of OMM as an adjunct intervention for new-onset depression symptoms following a stroke.
This case report follows a 64-year-old female who presented to an outpatient behavioral health clinic for depressed mood, with onset following a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke four months prior. She had no history of behavioral health concerns or use of psychotropic medications. She opted for psychotherapy to treat depression, declining medication management. Despite six months of psychotherapy, her depressive symptoms continued to worsen. This patient underwent three OMM treatments, each two weeks apart, addressing the cranium, cervical spine, thoracic inlet, and associated musculature. We collected PHQ-9, symptom-specific ratings, and provider assessments. At initiation of OMM treatments, her PHQ-9 was 5 with noted “emotional lability” and “tearfulness.” Over a six-week course, her PHQ-9 decreased to zero, suggesting absence of depressive symptoms. The patient subjectively noted that she felt better immediately following her first OMM session and having “no symptoms” after three consecutive treatments.
This case suggests the potential of integrating OMM within the treatment of new-onset depression following a stroke, with resolution of depressive symptoms following three OMM treatments.
