Naprapathy

Naprapathy (Czech náprava, correction - from napravit, to correct) - is a branch of medicine, (manual medicine) that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Doctors of Naprapathy are connective tissue specialists.


 * Doctors of Naprapathy are not Doctors of Medicine (MD) (physicians) - an important distinction,

Naprapathic treatment consists of naprapathic manipulative techniques, adjunctive (additional) treatments, and nutritional counseling.

Availability
Napapathy was founded in the early 1900s by Dr. Oakley Smith who called his manual medical technique naprapathy. It is an alternative to chiropractic which focuses on spine and subluxations. Naprapaths working with the spine emphasize the underlying ligaments.

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.

Naprapaths are insurance and cash based solo practitioners, using their hands and modalities to manage neuromuscular or soft tissue related pain.

Naprapaths are licensed in Illinois and New Mexico, regulated in Ohio and also practice in California, Florida and other states where freedom of access statutes permit naprapathic doctors to practice. Although the term Oakley Smith Method is trade marked, the word naprapathy may not be.

Massage therapists who want to practice naprapathy in California, Florida or other states in which naprapathy is not regulated can complete an online DN program and begin practicing even before they graduate, but this program is not supported by mainstream naprapaths nor by NCNM.

Naprapaths who practice psychotherapy are eligible for membership in the Chicago Open Chapter for the Study of Psychoanalysis.

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. The study is published in Clinical Journal of Pain.

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.