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Abstract
Tuina therapy in Chinese Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Osteopathic Medicine are both hands-on, non-invasive treatment approaches for musculoskeletal issues such as nonspecific back pain. Currently, there is limited research comparing the two techniques, and we aim to fill this gap by evaluating how these therapies affect nonspecific lower back pain. To do this, we conducted a narrative review using PubMed and Embase. Search terms include “Tuina,” “Tui Na,” “Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment,” “manual therapy,” and “low back pain.” Both MeSH and free-text terms were applied. Articles published between 2010 and 2025 in English were included. Eligible studies examined mechanisms, safety, and clinical outcomes of both therapies. Excluded were animal studies and pediatric populations. A total of 278 articles were retrieved, and 83 articles met our criteria. Studies highlighted effects on neuromuscular modulation, circulation, and fascia. Safety analyses reported almost no adverse events, with most side effects being mild and transient (e.g., soreness, fatigue). Clinical outcomes for OMT demonstrated significant improvements in pain reduction, functional status, and quality of life. Clinical outcomes for Tuina therapy were also found to be beneficial, although the lack of publications. Some literature included in our research has factors that limit the effectiveness, including small sample sizes, unclear randomization, and limited blinding. Furthermore, a lack of objective markers for pain undermines the evidence of current research. The development of more objective research protocols can strengthen the evidence of future research. Moreover, further research is still needed to facilitate better clinical decision-making regarding manual therapies, guide future studies, and support the development of integrative treatment protocols between Western and Eastern Medicine.