# Manual Therapy as an Alternative Treatment Option for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 73-year-old woman with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis showed improved oxygenation and mobility after manual therapy when medications failed.

## Contribution

Demonstrates manual therapy as a potential alternative treatment for IPF when standard care fails.

## Key findings

- Manual therapy improved oxygen saturation and joint mobility in a patient with IPF.
- Pulmonary function test values stabilized after the intervention.
- The patient tolerated manual therapy well and showed functional improvements.

## Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of interstitial lung disease that results in fibrotic lung tissue leading to symptoms of dyspnea, nonproductive cough, decreased mobility, and fatigue. This case report presents a well-documented case of a 73-year-old female presenting to a chiropractic and rehabilitation center seeking care after failing medication therapy. The patient presented hypoxic on room air with decreased mobility throughout her cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Three manual therapy techniques were performed at the rehabilitation clinic aimed at improving the range of motion of the impacted joints and surrounding tissue. The patient was also given manual therapy exercises to perform at home. Pre- and post-intervention assessments showed an improvement in oxygenation saturation on room air, increased mobility, and stabilization of the patient's pulmonary function test (PFT) values. This case demonstrates the importance of considering manual therapy in patients who have failed the standard of care or are unable to tolerate the medications used to treat IPF.