OMM III Exam 1 Terms

Accommodation

A self-reversing and non-persistent adaptation.

Articulatory pop

The sound made when cavitation occurs in a joint.

Cavitation

The formation of small vapor and gas bubbles within fluid caused by local reduction in pressure. This phenomenon is believed to produce an audible “pop” in certain forms of OMT.

Chapman reflex

1. A system of reflex points that present as predictable anterior and posterior fascial tissue texture abnormalities (plaque-like changes or stringiness of the involved tissues) assumed to be reflections of visceral dysfunction or pathology.

2. Originally used by Frank Chapman, DO, and described by Charles Owens, DO.

Effleurage

Stroking movement used to move fluids.

Elastic deformation

Any recoverable deformation.

Elasticity

Ability of a strained body or tissue to recover its original shape after deformation.

Enthesitis

1. Traumatic disease occurring at the insertion of muscles where recurring concentration of muscle stress provokes inflammation with a strong tendency toward fibrosis and calcification (Stedman’s).

2. Inflammation of the muscular or tendinous attachment to bone (Dorland’s).

Facet asymmetry

Configuration in which the structure, position and/or motion of the facets are not equal bilaterally.

Fascial unwinding

A manual technique involving constant feedback to the osteopathic practitioner who is passively moving a portion of the patient’s body in response to the sensation of movement. Its forces are localized using the sensations of ease and bind over wider regions.

Functional method

An indirect treatment approach that involves finding the dynamic balance point and one of the following: applying an indirect guiding force, holding the position or adding compression to exaggerate position and allow for spontaneous readjustment. The osteopathic practitioner 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 osteopathic practitioner guides the dysfunctional part so as to create a decreasing sense of tissue resistance (increased compliance).

Habituation

Decreased physiologic response to repeated stimulation.

High velocity/low amplitude technique (HVLA)

An osteopathic technique employing a rapid, therapeutic force of brief duration that travels a short distance within the anatomic range of motion of a joint, and that engages the restrictive barrier in one or more planes of motion to elicit release of restriction. Also known as thrust technique.

Passive method

Based on techniques in which the patient refrains from voluntary muscle contraction.

Plastic deformation

A non-recoverable deformation.

Positional technique

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.

Progressive inhibition of neuromuscular structures (PINS)

1. A system of diagnosis and treatment in which the osteopathic practitioner locates two related points and sequentially applies inhibitory pressure along a series of related points.
2. Developed by Dennis Dowling, DO.

Resilience

Property of returning to the former shape or size after mechanical distortion.

Retrolisthesis

Posterior displacement of one vertebra relative to the one immediately below.

Somatic dysfunctions of sacrum

Any of a group of somatic dysfunctions involving the sacrum. These may be the result of restriction of normal physiologic motion or trauma to the sacrum.

Somatic dysfunctions - Anterior sacrum

A positional term based on the Strachan model referring to sacral somatic dysfunction in which the sacral base has rotated anterior and sidebent to the side opposite the rotation. The upper limb (pole) of the SI joint has restricted motion and is named for the side on which forward rotation had occurred. Tissue texture changes are found at the deep sulcus. (The motion characteristics of L5 are not described.)

Somatic dysfunctions - Anterior translated sacrum

A sacral somatic dysfunction in which the entire sacrum has moved anteriorly (forward) between the ilia. Anterior motion is freer, and the posterior motion is restricted.

Somatic dysfunctions - Backward torsions

1. A physiologic rotation of the sacrum around an oblique axis such that the side of the sacral base contralateral to the named axis rotates posteriorly. L5 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation of the sacral base.

2. Referred to as non-neutral sacral somatic dysfunctions (Archaic use).
3. A term by Fred Mitchell, Sr., DO, that describes the backward torsion as being non-physiologic in terms of the walking cycle.

Somatic dysfunctions - Bilateral sacral extension (sacral base posterior)

1. A sacral somatic dysfunction that involves rotation of the sacrum about a middle transverse axis such that the sacral base has moved posteriorly relative to the pelvic bones. Backward movement of the sacral base is freer, forward movement is restricted and both sulci are shallow.

Somatic dysfunctions - Bilateral sacral flexion (sacral base anterior)

1. A sacral somatic dysfunction that involves rotation of the sacrum about a middle transverse axis such that the sacral base has moved anteriorly between the pelvic bones. Forward movement of the sacral base is freer, backward movement is restricted and both sulci are deep.

Somatic dysfunctions - Forward torsions

1. Is a physiologic rotation of the sacrum around an oblique axis such that the side of the sacral base contralateral to the named axis glides anteriorly and produces a deep sulcus. L5 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation of the sacral base.

2. Referred to as neutral sacral somatic dysfunctions (Archaic use).

3. A group of somatic dysfunctions described by Fred Mitchell, Sr., DO, based on the motion cycle of walking.

Somatic dysfunctions - Posterior sacrum

A positional term based on the Strachan model referring to a sacral somatic dysfunction in which the sacral base has rotated posterior and sidebent to the side opposite to the rotation. The dysfunction is named for the side on which the posterior rotation occurs. The tissue texture changes are found at the lower pole on the side of rotation. (Foundations). (The motion characteristics of L5 are not described.)

Somatic dysfunctions - Posterior translated sacrum

A sacral somatic dysfunction in which the entire sacrum has moved posteriorly (backward) between the ilia. Posterior motion is freer, and anterior motion is restricted.

Somatic dysfunctions - Right on right (forward) torsion

Refers to a right rotation about a right oblique axis.

Trigger point (myofascial trigger point)

1. A small hypersensitive site that, when stimulated, consistently produces a reflex mechanism that gives rise to referred pain and/or other manifestations in a consistent reference zone that is consistent from person to person.

Velocity

The instantaneous rate of motion in a given direction.

Wolff Law

Every change in form and function of a bone, or in its function alone, is followed by certain definite changes in its internal architecture, and secondary alterations in its external conformations.