The possibility of using osteopathic correction in the complex therapy of patients with chronic telogen hair loss

Introduction . Diffuse alopecia accounts for up to 40 % of all alopecia cases, making it one of the most common reasons patients consult dermatologists and cosmetologists. The pathogenesis of chronic telogen hair loss (CTHL) remains incompletely understood, and the changes occurring in hair follicles are heterogeneous in both pathogenetic and histological terms, rendering the treatment of this condition a significant challenge for clinicians. This underscores the importance of further research in this fi eld and the search for effective therapies, one of which may involve osteopathic correction. The aim of the study : to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating osteopathic correction into the combined treatment of female patients with CTHL. Materials and methods . A prospective controlled randomized study was conducted at the «Vash Doctor» Clinic (Moscow region, Odintsovo) from January 2024 to September 2024. The study included 58 female patients diagnosed with telogen alopecia. Using randomization envelopes, participants were divided into two equal groups of 29 patients each: the main group and the control group. Patients in both groups received conventional combined conservative treatment as prescribed by a dermatologist. Patients in the main group additionally underwent osteopathic correction — 3 sessions at 14-day intervals. Results. In patients with CTHL, a reduction in hair density per cm 2 and hair diameter was observed, accompanied by decreased mechanical strength. Subclinical levels of depression and anxiety were also recorded. Despite the diverse etiological factors of CTHL no predominant somatic dysfunctions were identified in the osteopathic status of the study group. Both treatment regimens demonstrated clinical efficacy, with statistically significant increases in hair diameter and mechanical strength ( p <0,01). However, the inclusion of osteopathic correction resulted in a statistically significant increase in hair density per cm 2 ( p <0,01) and significantly higher mechanical strength values ( p <0,05). Conclusion . Incorporating osteopathic correction into the combined treatment of female patients with CTHL yields statistically more significant improvements in hair density per cm², mechanical strength, and reductions in depression and anxiety levels compared to conventional therapy alone. Further research in this area appears promising.