RECRUITINGINTERVENTIONAL

Investigating the Efficacy of OMT to Recover Olfactory Perception After COVID-19

About This Trial

One of the most widespread symptoms of COVID-19 is loss of the sense of smell. There are very few treatments for helping individuals recover their sense of smell. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may be a useful tool in helping people recover their smell perception. In this study the investigators test whether OMT can be used to help individuals recover their sense of smell if they lost it during COVID-19.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - Positive COVID-19 test or diagnoses - Self-reported deficiency in sense of smell Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - Age under 18 years - Pregnancy - Any findings on the osteopathic screening/evaluation that would hinder the effectiveness or increase the risk associated with OA decompression - Any medication that interferes with the sense of smell (intranasal zinc, intranasal antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids) - Allergic rhinitis - Use of oral corticosteroids or antihistamines. Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language

Inclusion Criteria: * Positive COVID-19 test or diagnoses * Self-reported deficiency in sense of smell Exclusion Criteria: * Age under 18 years * Pregnancy * Any findings on the osteopathic screening/evaluation that would hinder the effectiveness or increase the risk associated with OA decompression * Any medication that interferes with the sense of smell (intranasal zinc, intranasal antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids) * Allergic rhinitis * Use of oral corticosteroids or antihistamines.

Treatments Being Tested

PROCEDURE

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

The OMT intervention in this study will be comprised of an occipitoatlantal (OA) decompression and treatment of the nasal Chapman point. The OA decompression will be applied for 2 minutes with 12N of pressure as this pressure has been determined to produce the greatest effect. Treatment at this level reduces congestion of nasal mucosa. The suboccipital decompression technique is generally considered to bear minimal risks and is perceived by most patients as a pleasant experience. This technique is considered to be a basic skill among osteopathic physicians. It is usually taught within the first semester of the first year at Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. The other intervention technique will be addressing the nasal Chapman points that are found at the tip of the transverse process of C1 and the costochondral junction of the first rib on each side. Both techniques are performed while the subject is supine.

PROCEDURE

Sham treatment

The sham intervention will consist of the subject lying supine with the investigator's hands resting gently on both sides of subject's neck for 5 minutes.

Locations (1)

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States