Is Osteopathy Evidence Based?

Let’s start by discussing what osteopathy is and what the underlying principles it is governed
by.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a way of manual (hands-on) treatment of the body to improve its capacity to
function. Osteopaths uses a variety of techniques, both “Active” and “Passive” techniques.
Active techniques are where the patient primarily does the intervention, such as exercise
rehabilitation. While passive techniques are where the osteopath primarily does the
intervention and the patient less so. These techniques include soft tissue massage, joint
mobilisation and manipulation.
What are the principles of Osteopathy?
There are 4 principles of osteopathy:

  1. The body is a unit:
     Mind, body, and spirit are interconnected.
     Physical health is influenced by mental and emotional well-being, and vice versa.
     Osteopaths consider all aspects of a person, not just the site of pain, when diagnosing
    and treating.
  2. Structure and function are interrelated:
     How the body is built (structure) affects how it works (function), and vice versa. For
    example, restricted joint movement or poor posture can impair circulation, nerve
    function, and overall mobility.
     Osteopaths look for restrictions or imbalances in the body that may be affecting health
    or performance.
  3. The body has the capacity to self-regulate and have self-healing mechanisms:
     The body has an innate ability to maintain health and recover from illness or injury.
     Osteopathic treatment aims to support and enhance these natural processes rather than
    override them.
  4. Treatment should be based on the above three principles:
     Osteopaths use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and
    biomechanics to create individualised treatment plans.
     The goal is not just symptom relief, but to restore function, support overall health, and
    empower the patient.

What is Evidence Based Practice (EBP)?
Evidence based practice (EBP) is a systematic approach to decision-making that utilizes the
best available evidence, including research findings, clinical expertise, and patient values, to
guide practice. It involves integrating these elements to make informed decisions that lead to
improved outcomes.

  1. Best available research evidence:
     This refers to clinically relevant research from studies with minimal bias, like
    randomized controlled trials.
  2. Clinical expertise:
     This encompasses the knowledge, skills, and experience of the healthcare
    professional.
  3. Patient expectations and preference:
     Acknowledging and incorporating the patient’s preferences and circumstances into
    the decision-making process.

With the terms defined, here is what we know of osteopathy as an evidence-based approach
in treating patients.
When it comes to treating musculoskeletal dysfunctions like back pain and neck pain,
osteopathy does have research backed evidence to support it.
Back Pain
According to research published in BMJ Open and The Lancet, manual therapy including
spinal manipulation and mobilisation can be an effective part of a multi-modal approach for
managing back pain.

A 2020 systematic review showed that osteopathic manipulative treatment significantly
improved pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. When combined with
exercise and education, these treatments are especially beneficial.
Neck Pain
Neck pain, often caused by poor posture, stress, or prolonged sitting, responds well to manual
techniques like joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and muscle energy techniques, all
commonly used in osteopathy. Studies indicate short-term improvements in pain and range of
motion, especially when patients stay active and involved in their treatment.
It should be noted that in some of the research conducted on the benefits of different manual
therapy techniques, both active and passive techniques are not categorised specifically as
“osteopathy” only, “chiropractic” only or “physiotherapy” only techniques; meaning
provided with the correct training and expertise, any technique can be performed by any
practitioner within their scope of qualification.
While there is evidence for osteopathic treatment for back and neck pain (or at least active
and passive manual techniques), lets shift focus onto some other conditions that research does
not have a strong evidence in its effectiveness but anecdotal evidence through Clinical
Expertise have seen patients benefit.
Headaches and Migraine
Headaches and migraine are common presentations in the clinic. Some tension-type and
cervicogenic headaches are linked to musculoskeletal dysfunction in the neck and upper
back. Osteopaths may use gentle manual therapy to release tension in these areas, which can
reduce headache frequency and intensity. Migraine management through osteopathy still
lacks strong research evidence and should be approached cautiously, but this is where an
experienced osteopath can use their expertise to help using a variety of techniques.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related pain often comes with musculoskeletal discomfort. Think ligament laxity
through shifting hormonal changes, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, and lower back tension.
Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy has been shown in small studies to improve
functional outcomes and reduce pain, potentially making pregnancy more comfortable
without medication. Anecdotally, patients may find these symptoms worsen during the
second and third trimester and passive techniques during this time has been very helpful in
easing discomfort.
Patient Preferences is the last pillar of EBP model. This is something an osteopath can find
out before the commencement of any treatment. A written and verbal consent should be given
and the osteopath must adhere to such requests. For example, if a patient has had some ill
effects from a manipulation from previous treatments or has fears after hearing from friends
or family who suffered poor outcomes after said technique, the osteopath must take this into
consideration to weigh up the risk versus reward of performing such technique. This is why
an osteopath with extended clinical experience and expertise in a variety of techniques is so
important.

Cranial and Visceral Osteopathy

A word on a less common and perhaps “old school” branch of osteopathy. Both cranial and
visceral osteopathy have much less scientific backing. While some practitioners and patients
swear by their effectiveness, large-scale and high-quality clinical trials haven’t consistently
shown strong evidence for these methods.
Cranial osteopathy, also known as craniosacral therapy, is a specialised area of osteopathy
that focuses on the delicate movements and structures of the skull and its surrounding tissues.
Osteopaths practicing cranial osteopathy use a highly developed sense of touch to identify
and address restrictions or imbalances in the cranial bones, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.
This approach aims to enhance the body’s self-healing mechanisms and improve overall well-
being.
Visceral osteopathy is a manual therapy technique within osteopathy that focuses on the
internal organs (viscera) and their relationship with the musculoskeletal system. It involves
gentle manipulations to improve organ mobility, release tension in fascial tissues, and address
potential restrictions that may contribute to various musculoskeletal or digestive issues.

Conclusion
Is osteopathy evidence based? In short, it depends…
While manual (active and passive) techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage
and spinal manipulation along with exercise prescription and education have shown to be
beneficial, there is currently less evidence to support Cranial and Visceral branch of
osteopathy.
Ultimately, any form of treatment for best patient outcomes must be through the three pillars
of Evidence-Based Practice; the intersection of best available research evidence, clinical
expertise of the treating osteopath while considering patient expectations and preferences.

References
Licciardone, J. C., Kearns, C. M., Minotti, D. E., & Tatman, L. H. (2020).
Osteopathic manipulative treatment for chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled
trial.
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 120(8), 529–538.
https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2020.088
Foster, N. E., Anema, J. R., Cherkin, D., Chou, R., Cohen, S. P., Gross, D. P., … & Maher, C.
G. (2018).
Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions.
The Lancet, 391(10137), 2368–2383. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30489-6
Franke, H., Franke, J. D., & Fryer, G. (2014).
Osteopathic manipulative treatment for nonspecific low back pain: A systematic review and
meta-analysis.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15, 286. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-15-286

Miller, J., Gross, A., D’Sylva, J., Burnie, S. J., Goldsmith, C. H., Graham, N., … & Kay, T.
M. (2010).
Manual therapy and exercise for neck pain: A systematic review.
Manual Therapy, 15(4), 334–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2010.03.008
Licciardone, J. C., Aryal, S., & Singh, K. P. (2010).
Osteopathic manipulative treatment for chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled
trial.
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 110(10), 646–656.
Green, C., Martin, C. W., Bassett, K., & Kazanjian, A. (1999).
A systematic review of craniosacral therapy: Biological plausibility, assessment reliability
and clinical effectiveness.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 7(4), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0965-
2299(99)80003-9
Guillaud, A., Darbois, N., Monvoisin, R., & Pinsault, N. (2018).
Effectiveness of visceral osteopathy: A systematic review of the literature.
European Journal of Osteopathic Research, 7, 1–10.

Written by Dr Marcus Ng (Osteopath) M. Osteo, B App Sc (Osteo Studies), B. Sc (Anat.)

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Ayurveda in Winter

Ayurvedic Medicine views each season as having different characteristics and approaches them all with a unique perspective. Our Naturopath Pad has outlined some key points to consider for your health and wellbeing this Winter.

In Ayurveda  winter is considered a Kapha season with strong Vata undertones. It’s characterized by cold, dry weather, and a shift towards rest and introspection, potentially making us more prone to colds, stiffness, and lethargy . Ayurveda suggests incorporating warming foods, engaging in regular self-care practices like oil massages, and establishing a predictable routine to maintain balance during this season. Here’s a more detailed look at how Ayurveda views winter and what it recommends:

  • Hemanta (early winter) and Sisira (late winter): Ayurveda divides winter into these two periods, each with its own characteristics. 
  • Kapha and Vata Dominance: Winter’s cold, dry, and heavy qualities are associated with Kapha and Vata doshas. 
  • Time for Rest and Reflection: Ayurveda emphasizes rest, reflection, and inward-focused activities during winter. 

Dietary Recommendations:

  • Warm, Nourishing Foods: Ayurveda advises eating warm, cooked meals that are easily digestible. 
  • Spices for Warmth: Include warming spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper in your diet to combat the cold. 
  • Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash, which are rich in nutrients. 
  • Ghee and Other Fats: Ayurveda suggests including healthy fats like ghee and coconut oil in the diet to support digestion and warmth. 
  • Avoid Raw and Cold Foods: Reduce or eliminate raw salads and cold dishes, as they can disrupt digestion during winter. 

Lifestyle Practices:

  • Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regular warm oil massage promotes circulation, balances doshas, and relieves dry skin. 
  • Warm Baths: Taking warm baths, especially with herbs, can help soothe the body and improve circulation. 
  • Regular Routine: Establishing a predictable daily routine with consistent sleep patterns and meal times is crucial for balancing Vata. 
  • Yoga and Meditation: Gentle yoga and meditation can help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. 
  • Warm Environment: Embrace warm environments with a cozy fire and layered clothing to stay comfortable. 

Additional Tips:

  • Hydration: Drink warm water or herbal teas throughout the day to stay hydrated and support digestion. 
  • Vitamin C and D: Incorporate foods rich in Vitamin C and D to support your immune system. 
  • Sun Exposure: While winter can be a time of rest, try to get some sunlight to help with mood and energy levels. 
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Japanese Interval Walk Training

Dan Go (@FitFounder) is one of my go-to resources for health and fitness news. He just posted on his Instagram about Interval Walking Training, a method of walking developed by Japanese researchers that appears to be incredibly simple and incredibly effective.

Here’s how it works.

Instead of just strolling at the same pace, IWT alternates between three minutes of slow walking and three minutes of fast walking.

You do it for a total of 30 minutes.

That’s it. Super simple, but check out how effective it is, from the post by Dan:

People who do IWT see a 4x improvement in blood pressure compared to those who hit just 10K steps a day.
It’s been shown to reduce depression and cut stroke risk by 40%.
It has also been shown to strengthen muscles, boost the immune system, and improve sleep efficiency by 12%.

Here’s a Basic IWT Workout (30 min):
Warm-up: 3-5 minutes of easy walking
Intervals: Repeat the following for 30 minutes
3 minutes of slow walking (comfortable pace)
3 minutes of fast walking (brisk pace, like you’re late for a meeting)
Cool-down: 3-5 minutes of easy walking.

How Intense Should the Fast Walk Be?
Use the “Talk Test”
The IWT is harder than walking. To gauge intensity, you should still be able to have a conversation while walking. Think of it as having a Zone 2 intensity when you’re doing the fast walk.

Advanced IWT Options
◆ Hill Intervals: Do a fast walk uphill for extra resistance.
◆ Weighted: Wear a weighted vest (10-15% of your body weight).
◆ Go Longer: Extend to 40-45 minutes for added endurance benefits.
Use the “Talk Test” as a way to maintain the right intensity.

There you have it. Give it a try next time you go for a walk, start adding in some faster intervals and gradually build up to the 3 minute intervals the study found to be so effective.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHqWn3vzHcJ/?img_index=1

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Ayurvedic Medicine in Autumn

Ayurvedic Medicine has been practiced in India for around 5,000 years. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to health, considering the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual. 

The core principle of Ayurveda is to maintain balance within the body’s systems, using natural treatments like herbal remedies, diet, and lifestyle changes to achieve optimal health. 

Ayurvedic practitioners, and Chinese Medicine practitioners, believe that our physiology changes as the seasons change. As it’s the beginning of Autumn, our Ayurvedic Doctor, Padi, has written an article on the impact Autumn can have on us:

As the vibrant hues of summer fade and we welcome the gentle shift into autumn, it’s the perfect time to realign your well-being with Ayurveda, the ancient science of holistic health. The key to unlocking your individual path to vibrant health is to understand how the five fundamental elements—space, air, fire, water, and earth—shape your personal doshas.

Vata, a combination of space and air, governs movement and circulation, often becoming more prominent in the cooler, drier autumn air. Pitta, a blend of fire and water, controls metabolism, while Kapha, a combination of water and earth, provides structure and immunity.

Understanding which dosha or doshas dominate your constitution is key to personalized wellness, revealing your natural tendencies and how seasonal shifts, like the one we’re entering, can impact your balance.

When your doshas are balanced, you experience optimal health and vitality. However, autumn’s changes—cooler temperatures, drier air, and shifting routines—can disrupt this harmony. To maintain balance during autumn, Ayurvedic practices suggest focusing on grounding and nourishing the body and mind. 

Ayurveda recommends consuming warm, cooked, and nourishing foods, such as root vegetables, warm soups, and grains like rice and oats, to counteract the drying and cooling effects of the season. 

It’s also recommended to engage in grounding activities like yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature, and to prioritize regular routines and adequate rest. 

Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of transitioning gently into the season, with practices like gentle cleansing and detoxification to prepare the body for the changes. 

Ayurveda offers personalized recommendations, including dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and herbal remedies, to help you transition smoothly and maintain balance throughout the season.

Padi, a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner and naturopath, can guide you in identifying your dosha and implementing practical Ayurvedic principles to navigate the autumn season. She provides natural solutions to enhance digestion, boost energy, manage stress, and support your immune system as the weather changes.

Whether you seek relief from seasonal sensitivities or simply aspire to greater well-being, Ayurveda offers a tailored approach for this time of year.

Prepare your body and mind for the transition into autumn. Embark on your journey to balanced health by exploring your Ayurvedic constitution. Schedule a consultation with Padi to discover your personal dosha and learn how to live in harmony with your natural blueprint as the seasons shift.

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How To: Getting Out Of Bed When You’re In Pain

Our Osteopath, Marcus Ng, shares the best way to get out of bed when you are suffering from acute low back pain.

When it comes to acute low back pain, regardless of how it started, it is often a great source of anguish just to get out of bed. You’re either poorly rested from a sleepless night or just in a lot of pain and stiffness trying to get out of bed. 

The good news is, I have a simple tried and tested method to get you out of bed to get you on the road to recovery. 

My name is Marcus and I’ve been an osteopath for over 10 years and this is how I teach my patients the best way to get out of bed when they have acute low back pain, regardless of the underlying tissue injury.

Step 1:

You just woke up, you either feel the stiffness or pain or you remember you felt it prior to falling asleep. Without doing too much, all I want you to do is to roll on the side of the bed that you want to get out of bed. 

Step 2:

Once in the side-lying position. Use ONLY your arms (and upper body strength) to push yourself up in the half-sitting position. 

You want to avoid any big swinging movements where you are bracing or holding your breath or using your legs to create leverage. You are only to use your arms to push yourself up. This is very important!

WHY?

When you brace or use momentum to swing you put a lot of pressure through your low back. This bracing causes… 

a) a huge contraction through the deep trunk stabilising muscles without having sufficiently prepared for the work;

b) an increase in abdominal pressure can cause added pressure to disc or nerves that are getting pinched or irritated.

Step 3:

You may drop your legs to the edge of the bed and get on the your buttocks. From here I want you slow and gently shift your weight left and right on to each of your sitting bones, back and forth. Aim for more subtle movements. You’re going to do this for about 10-15 seconds.

WHY?

This is to warm up those trunk stabilising muscles to prepare them to do work for the first time of the day.

Step 4:

Now it’s time to stand up. When you begin to stand up, make sure you stand straight upright and have a tight butt squeeze at the top of it. 

WHY?

When we stand up, we use our low back, gluts AND hamstrings so we want to make sure all those other muscles are contributing to this big movement. If your low back has been compromise we want to make sure those other big muscle groups are contributing to the work.

Congratulations, you are now officially out of bed; and with the added walk to the bathroom and a hot shower, hopefully, you’ve successfully avoided triggering any major bouts of pain in the low back. This allows the nervous system to be in a calm state and therefore likely to keep you in this state. 

Conversely, if we trigger the nervous system with sudden, forceful moments, there’s a good chance the nervous system will be heightened and that will only perpetuate the pain. 

So next time you or someone you know with low back pain are struggling to get of bed, be sure to share this useful tip with them!

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Combining Cupping With Dry Needling

The latest Osteopath to join our team is Dr Vivian Wong. Vivian is a very experienced practitioner who employs a wide variety of approaches to help address your injury. Among the techniques she uses are Dry Needling and Cupping, which work extremely well together for a number of reasons.

  • Both therapies target similar issues: Both cupping and dry needling are often used to address myofascial pain, trigger points, muscle tension, and restricted movement. They work through different mechanisms (cupping with suction and dry needling with needle insertion), but they often aim to achieve similar outcomes (reduced pain, improved muscle function).  
  • Anecdotal evidence and clinical practice: Many practitioners use cupping and dry needling in conjunction, reporting positive results in their patients. This combined approach is based on the idea that the two therapies might have synergistic effects, addressing different aspects of the same problem. For example, dry needling might release a specific trigger point, while cupping could then further reduce surrounding muscle tension and improve blood flow to the area.  
  • Research on individual therapies: There’s more research available on cupping and dry needling separately. Studies suggest potential benefits for each therapy in managing various musculoskeletal conditions. This indirectly supports the rationale for combining them, as they both target relevant factors contributing to pain and dysfunction.

  • An exciting area for research: Studies looking into using dry needling in conjunction with cupping as a combined therapy are going to be very insightful. To what extent using them in combination offers advantages over either therapy alone, and the optimal protocols for combining these techniques is something that researchers and experienced practitioners in the field will continue to learn about.

If you’re considering this combined approach, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional experienced in both techniques. They can assess your individual needs and advise you on the most appropriate treatment plan.

Cupping and Dry Needling are techniques that have been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and soft tissue therapists for hundreds of years. To book an appointment with Dr Vivian Wong simply visit our online booking page at https://www.harleyplacehealth.com.au/make-a-booking/

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How Does Cupping Work?

The newest member of our team here at Harley Place Health, Dr Vivian Wong, brings a unique combination of techniques and experience. One of the techniques she employs is cupping. 

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that involves placing specially designed cups on the skin to create suction. It has numerous benefits including:

  • Increased Blood Flow: The suction created by the cups draws blood to the area where the cup is placed. This increased blood flow can bring oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Think of it like bringing a repair crew to a damaged area.  
  • Myofascial Release: Cupping can lift the skin and underlying fascia (connective tissue) away from the muscles. This can help to release deep tension and adhesions in the fascia, improving flexibility and range of motion. It’s similar to how massage works, but with a lifting action.  
  • Lymphatic Drainage: The suction can also stimulate lymphatic drainage, which helps to remove waste products and toxins from the body. A healthy lymphatic system is crucial for immune function.  
  • Pain Reduction: Many people experience pain relief from cupping. This might be due to the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), changes in nerve signaling, or a combination of factors.  
  • Trigger Point Release: Cupping can be used to target specific trigger points (tight knots in muscles) similar to how acupressure or massage works. The suction can help to release these trigger points, reducing pain and muscle tension.  

Cupping has been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and soft tissue therapists for hundreds of years. To book an appointment with Dr Vivian Wong simply visit our online booking page at https://www.harleyplacehealth.com.au/make-a-booking/

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GUEST BLOG – Ways to Improve Your Sleep

This post was written by Dr Jess Sammut from Whole Health Osteopathy and the Melbourne Headache Clinic and is shared here with permission. 

Do you find yourself tossing and turning when you go to bed? Maybe it’s because of an injury, perhaps you’re restless because you have a lot on your mind. Other times, it could be the food you ate before you went to bed. Here are six tips for getting a good night’s sleep.

1. Follow a sleeping routine

Reset your internal clock by getting up at the same time every day. Once you get into this rhythm, your body will naturally start getting tired around the same time every night.  Try to limit the difference in your sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends to no more than one hour. Being consistent reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.

2. Watch what you eat and drink!

Cutting out caffeine after 3pm should be a no brainer, especially for those who struggle to fall asleep!  Avoid stimulants like coffee, soft drink, alcohol and cigarettes for at least a few hours before you intend to sleep. You may think that alcohol makes you sleepy, but even that cheeky glass of red can cause a restless night, and increase your chances of waking during the night. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed. In particular, avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Your discomfort might keep you up.

3. Turn out the lights – especially the blue ones

If you are finding it hard to fall asleep at night, avoid looking at screens from your phone, laptop or TV as the light emitting from the screen may be stimulating your brain. Try winding down an hour before sleeping by reading or listening to calming music instead.

4. Exercise!

Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. However, it is best to avoid being active too close to bedtime. Personally, I find I sleep a lot better when I’ve been active through the day, and it can be as simple as taking my dog out for a walk, or standing out in nature and breathing in that fresh air.

5. Avoid daytime naps

Even small naps can seriously interfere with your sleep cycle. If you want a solid sleep, try to limit your nana-nap to 30 minutes, and definitely avoid them after 5pm!

6. Manage your worries.

Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what’s on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow. Stress management might help. Start with the basics, such as getting organised, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Meditation also can ease anxiety. If you don’t fall asleep within about 20 minutes, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing. Read or listen to soothing music. Go back to bed when you’re tired. Repeat as needed.

7. According to the Sleep Toolkit devised by Dr Andrew Huberman, you should also View sunlight by going outside within 30-60 minutes of waking. Do that again in the late afternoon, prior to sunset. If you wake up before the sun is out and you want to be awake, turn on artificial lights and then go outside once the sun rises.

On bright cloudless days: view morning and afternoon sun for 10 min; cloudy days: 20 min; very overcast days 30-60 min. If you live someplace with very minimal light, consider an artificial daytime simulator source.

Don’t wear sunglasses for this practice if you safely can, but contact lenses and eyeglasses are fine.

No, you don’t have to look directly at the sun, and never look at ANY light so bright it is painful to view! That said, you can’t wear a brimmed hat, sunglasses and remain in the shade and expect to “wake up” your circadian clock.

Remember, nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night, but if it concerning to you, it is worth speaking to a professional to get to the bottom of it. You can also read more about how your mattress, pillows and sleeping environment affect your sleep here!

This blog “Ways to Optimise your Sleep” was written by Whole Health Osteopath Dr Jess Sammut. Whole Health Osteopathy was established in 2017 and is located at 855 Plenty Road, South Morang, 3752. We thank Dr Jess for sharing this with us. For more information or to book an appointment, visit them at Whole Health Osteopathy

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C The Signs – AI being used to detect Cancer risk

Because I’m a bit of a nerd about health and medicine, I listen to different podcasts on those topics. Increasingly on medical themed podcasts I’m hearing doctors discuss breakthroughs that are happening due to AI.

For example, recently, an AI software created a new type of anti-biotic. This is noteworthy because over time, the effectiveness of existing anti-biotics has been decreasing and viruses are mutating and becoming resistant to them. So we need to adapt and innovate as well, but it seems inventing new anti-biotics is hard, because as this report states, this was the first new class of anti-biotics developed in over 60 years!

Then there was the study showing AI was more accurate at diagnosing than GPs.

And the study where AI was able to identify early markers for prostate cancer, one of the deadliest cancers we have. According to this report, researchers in Melbourne ” have developed a diagnostic tool that can spot prostate cancer before patients have any symptoms, using artificial intelligence to analyse CT scans in just seconds“. Improving early detection could be an absolute game changer for prostate cancer.

Which segues nicely into todays post. C The Signs is a new AI diagnostic tool being used to improve early detection of a number of different types of cancer. The AI model works by “analyzing data already available in patient electronic health records, going beyond basic risk indicators like age and gender, to examine a wide number of personal and environmental data points to precisely assess an individual’s cancer risk. By personalizing risk profiles, the platform flags people who need targeted testing and rules out those who do not, reducing the burden on primary care physicians.”

How effective is it?

“It has identified 20.7% of breast cancer cases UP TO FIVE YEARS EARLIER than standard pathways, as well as beating early-stage diagnoses of ovarian cancer using traditional methods by 53.3%.”

“C the Signs also recently unveiled new data at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium using its AI model on the records of 894,275 patients registered in the Mayo Data Platform to achieve a sensitivity of 93.8% – comparable to the sensitivity level of a colonoscopy – and a specificity of 19.7% in identifying patients at risk of colorectal cancer. By detecting tumors when they can still be treated at stage 1 or 2, C the Signs increases survival odds compared to later-stage diagnoses.”

Did they just say it’s about as accurate as a colonoscopy!?! Incredible!

Furthermore, the researchers noted “29.4% of patients with colorectal cancer were identified as being at risk UP TO 5 YEARS EARLIER by C the Signs compared to diagnoses made by primary care physicians, highlighting the platform’s potential for early detection.”

This technology is advancing at an incredible rate and we can’t wait to see what the next discovery involves! And if you want to listen to the podcast I listened to, click this link.

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AI is more accurate at diagnosing than Doctors!?!?!

Ok this story blew us away.

According to a recent study (which was performed on a small number of people to be fair), ChatGPT was more accurate at diagnosing illnesses than a group of doctors.

From the source article:

“A new research study indicates that Open AI’s chatbot Chat GPT-4 is better at diagnosing diseases than human doctors, according to The New York Times.

Fifty doctors, a mix of attending physicians and residents, participated in the study; diagnoses were based on evaluations of medical patient cases. All in all, Chat GPT-4 got a 90% score for the diagnoses it delivered; the doctors on their own got average scores of 74%.

The doctors also reportedly performed worse than the chatbot when they were allowed to use Chat GPT-4 in their work. Physicians who used the tool performed only marginally better — getting scores of 76% — than physicians who did not use a chatbot at all.”

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