General Terms
Allopathy
the school of medicine and surgery practiced by medical doctors (M.D.s) with an emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases within the body
Biomechanics
mechanical principles applied to the study of biological functions: the application of mechanical laws to living structures
Chiropractic
a method of treating disease and injury limited to manipulation of the body joints, especially of the spine
D.O.
Doctor of Osteopathy; osteopathic physician
Fascia
tissue surrounding muscle, bones and joints
Homeopathy
the method of treating disease by drugs, given in minute doses, which would produce in a healthy person symptoms similar to those of the disease
Manipulation
therapeutic application of manual pressure or force
Osteopathy
the school of medicine and surgery founded in 1874 by Andrew T. Still, M.D., that emphasizes the self-healing, interdependent properties of the body and the importance of the unimpeded circulatory and nerve systems of the body in maintaining health
OMT
osteopathic manipulative treatment (or therapy)
Osteopathic lesion
term previously used to identify an injury of an organ or tissue resulting in obstruction of the normal discharge of nerve and blood supply; somatic dysfunction is the term now used
Osteopathic manipulative treatment
the therapeutic application of manually guided forces by an osteopathic manipulative physician to alleviate somatic dysfunction; this is accomplished by a variety of treatment techniques:
Palpation
an act of touching or feeling; physical examination in medical diagnosis by pressure of the hand or fingers to the surface of the body especially to determine the condition of an underlying part or organ
Somatic dysfunction
impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic (body dysfunction framework) system
Somatology
the study of the anatomy and physiology of the body with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system
Sprain
stretching injuries of ligamentous tissue
Strain
stretching injuries of muscle tissue and fascia
Traction
a force acting along a longitudinal axis to draw structures apart
OMT Terms
Articulatory Treatment
a low velocity/moderate amplitude technique where a joint is carried through its full range of motion with the therapeutic goal of increased freedom of movement.
Combined Treatment
1) a term to describe a technique where the initial movements are indirect; as the technique is completed the movements change to direct forces: 2) a manipulative sequence involving two or more different techniques (e.g. Spencer treatments combined with muscle energy technique)
Counterstrain
considers the dysfunction to be a continuing, inappropriate strain reflex, which is inhibited by applying position of mild strain in the direction exactly opposite to that of the false strain reflex; this is accomplished by use of the specific point of tenderness related to this dysfunction followed by specific directed positioning to therapeutic response
Cranial Treatment
a description that refers to the diagnosis and treatment skills using the primary respiratory mechanism
Dalrymple Treatment
a venous and lymphatic drainage technique applied through the lower extremities: also called the pedal fascial or pedal lymphatic pump
Direct Treatment
any technique engaging the restrictive barrier and then carrying the dysfunctional component in the direction of the restrictive barrier
Exaggeration Treatment
1) an indirect procedure that involves carrying the dysfunction part away from the restrictive barrier, then applying a high velocity/low amplitude force in the same direction; 2) operator movement of the dysfunctional component away from the restrictive barrier through and beyond the range of voluntary motion to a point of palpably increased tension
Functional Treatment
an indirect treatment method in which the physician guides the manipulative procedure while the dysfunctional area is being palpated in order to obtain a continuous feedback of the physiologic response to induced motion; the physician guides the dysfunctional part so as to create a decreasing sense of tissue resistance (increased compliance)
Indirect Treatment
a manipulative technique where the restrictive barrier is disengaged; the dysfunctional body part is moved away from the restrictive barrier until tissue is equal in all planes and directions
Inhibitory Pressure Treatment
the application of steady pressure to soft tissues to reduce reflex activity and produce relaxation
Lymphatic Pump
a term to describe the impact of intrathoracic pressure changes on lymphatic flow: this was the name originally given to the thoracic pump technique before the more extensive physiologic effects of the technique were recognized
Mandibular Drainage
a technique used to effect increased drainage of middle ear structures via the eustachian tube and lymphatics
Muscle Energy Treatment
a term used to describe the form of osteopathic manipulative treatment in which the patient voluntarily moves the body as specifically directed by the physician; this directed patient action is from a precisely controlled position, against an isometric resistance of the physician
Myofascial Treatment
any technique directed at the muscles and fascia
Myofascial Release Treatment (MRT)
1) direct MRT: a restrictive barrier is engaged for the myofascial tissues; the tissue is loaded with a constant force until tissue release occurs; 2) indirect MRT. the dysfunctional tissues are guided along a path of least resistance until free movement is achieved
Percussion
the steady application to a body part of a rhythmic mechanical force to induce a harmonic vibration in the tissues for a therapeutic effect; developed by Robert C. Fulford, D.O.
Positional Treatment
a direct segmental technique in which a combination of leverage, patient ventilatory movements and a fulcrum are used to achieve mobilization of the dysfunctional segment; may be combined with springing or thrust technique
Range of Motion
movement of a body part to its physiologic or anatomic limit in any or all planes of motion
Soft Tissue Treatment
procedure directed toward tissues other than skeletal or arthrodial elements: a direct technique which usually involves lateral stretching, linear stretching, deep pressure, traction and/or separation of muscle origin and insertion while monitoring tissue response and motion changes by palpation; also called myofascial treatment
Spencer Treatment
a series of seven direct manipulative procedures to decrease soft tissue restrictions about the shoulder
Springing Treatment
a low velocity/moderate amplitude technique where the restrictive barrier is engaged repeatedly to produce an increased freedom of motion
Thoracic Pump
a technique which consists of intermittent compression of the thoracic cage
Thrust Treatment
a direct technique which uses high velocity/low amplitude forces; also called mobilization with impulse treatment
Traction Treatment
a procedure of high or low amplitude in which the parts are stretched or separated along a longitudinal axis with continuous or intermittent force