OMM1.6 Osteopathic Techniques

What is an osteopathic technique?

a specific therapeutic manual procedure

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?

The therapeutic application of manually guided forces by an osteopathic physician (U.S) to improve physiologic function and/or support homeostasis that has been altered by somatic dysfunction.

Who performs OMT?

US trained osteopathic physicians

Who performs OMTh?

Non-physician osteopaths (not US)

How are vertebra named?

by the anterior part of the body

Direct techniques

move the joint or tissue towards the restrictive barrier

Indirect techniques

move the joint or tissue towards the physiological barrier or away from the restrictive barrier (towards ease)

Combination techniques

Still technique - moves the restricted structure initially into an indirect direction and then direct direction

Modified technique

Balanced ligamentous/membranous technique - moves into balance which feels like indirect

Soft Tissue technique

Direct and passive

Inhibitory technique

Direct and passive - uses weight of body to press into muscles for neurological treatment

Muscle energy technique

direct and active - Uses muscle movements to stretch restrictive barriers- Can be useful for chronic injuries

Lymphatic technique

direct (pumping) and passive - Movement of lymph by movement of physician but relaxation of patient

Counterstrain technique

indirect and passive - Movement away from restrictive barrier with patient relaxed

High velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) technique

direct and passive - like chiropractor

Articulatory

Direct and passive

Osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine (OCMM)

direct, indirect, combined, balancing, and passive