Using osteopathic treatment to help recover smell after COVID-19

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

NA · Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine · NCT06766279

This study is testing if a special hands-on treatment can help people who lost their sense of smell after COVID-19 get it back.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBurrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (other)
Locations1 site (Las Cruces, New Mexico)
Trial IDNCT06766279 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in helping individuals regain their sense of smell after experiencing anosmia due to COVID-19. The primary objective is to assess whether OMT can improve olfactory perception in these patients, while a secondary objective focuses on the duration of any improvements observed. Participants will receive either OMT or a sham treatment to evaluate the potential benefits of this intervention. The study aims to address a significant gap in treatment options for those suffering from loss of smell post-COVID-19.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and report a deficiency in their sense of smell.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age, pregnant individuals, or those with certain medical conditions that may interfere with the treatment will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from anosmia after COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: There is limited published evidence regarding the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment for anosmia, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.

Where this trial is running

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anosmia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.