Harnessing Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Healing a Survivor of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a global concern with a prevalence that likely exceeds 6.3 million people per year worldwide and a significant amount in the United States alone. This unique patient population requires high-quality trauma-informed care to address their complex medical and psychosocial needs. This case study examines the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in combination with trauma-informed care in the treatment of a survivor of human trafficking. The patient had many years of complex trauma and physical abuse, including multiple head injuries, with subsequent chronic migraines, but presented with an acute exacerbation. While awaiting further workup, cranial osteopathy treatment was performed with informed consent and trauma-informed considerations with significant relief of somatic symptoms. OMT, in conjunction with trauma-informed care, offers a unique opportunity to address the physical and psychological symptoms of this underserved population with many opportunities for further application and research.