OMMIII Final Glossary Terms

Axoplasmic transport

Axoplasmic transport

The antegrade movement of substances from the nerve cell along the axon toward the terminals, and the retrograde movement from the terminals toward the nerve cell.

Active method

Technique in which the person voluntarily performs an osteopathic practitioner-directed motion.

Bind

Palpable resistance to motion of an articulation or tissue.

Creep

The capacity of fascia and other tissue to lengthen when subjected to a constant tension load resulting in less resistance to a second load application.

Fascial Patterns

Systems for classifying and recording the preferred directions of fascial motion throughout the body.

Common Compensatory Pattern (CCP)

The specific finding of alternating fascial motion preference at transitional regions of the body.

Uncommon Compensatory Pattern (UCP)

The finding of alternating fascial motion preference in the direction opposite that of the common compensatory pattern.

Uncompensated Fascial Pattern

The finding of fascial preferences that do not demonstrate alternating patterns of findings at transitional regions because they occur following stress or trauma, they tend to be symptomatic.

Facilitated positional release (FPR)

A system of indirect myofascial release treatment. The component region of the body is placed into a neutral position, diminishing tissue and joint tension in all planes, and an activating force (compression or torsion) is added.

Head Law

When a painful stimulus is applied to a body part of low sensitivity that is in close central connection with a point of higher sensitivity, the pain is felt at the point of higher sensitivity rather than at the point where the stimulus was applied.

Hepatic Pump

Rhythmic compression applied over the liver for purposes of increasing blood flow through the liver and enhancing bile and lymphatic drainage from the liver.

Homeostasis

1. Maintenance of static or constant conditions in the internal environment.

2. The level of well-being of an individual maintained by internal physiologic harmony that is the result of a relatively stable state or equilibrium among the interdependent body functions.

Hysteresis

During the loading and unloading of connective tissue, the restoration of the final length of the tissue occurs at a rate and to an extent less than during deformation (loading). These differences represent energy loss in the connective tissue system.

Integrated Neuromusculoskeletal Release (INR)

A treatment system in which combined procedures are designed to stretch and reflexly release patterned soft tissue and joint-related restrictions. Both direct and indirect methods are used interactively.

Klapping

Striking the skin with cupped palms to produce vibrations with the intention of loosening material in the lumen of hollow tubes or sacs within the body, particularly the lungs.

Kyphoscoliosis

A spinal curve pattern combining kyphosis and scoliosis.

Mandibular Drainage Technique

Soft tissue manipulative technique using passively induced jaw motion to effect increased drainage of middle ear structures via the eustachian tube and lymphatics.

Mesenteric Release Technique (mesenteric lift)

Technique in which tension is taken off the attachment
of the root of the mesentery to the posterior body wall. Simultaneously, the abdominal contents are compressed to enhance venous and lymphatic drainage from the bowel.

Myofascial release (MFR)

A system of diagnosis and treatment, which engages continual palpatory feedback to achieve release of myofascial tissues.

Direct MFR

A myofascial tissue restrictive barrier is engaged for the myofascial tissues and the tissue is loaded with a constant force until tissue release occurs.

Indirect MFR

The dysfunctional tissues are guided along the path of least resistance until free movement is achieved.

Pétrissage

Deep kneading or squeezing action to express swelling.

Still technique

Characterized as a specific, non-repetitive articulatory method that is indirect, then direct.

Somatosomatic reflex

Localized somatic stimuli producing patterns of reflex response in segmentally related somatic structures.

Somatovisceral reflex

Localized somatic stimulation producing patterns of reflex response in segmentally related visceral structures.

Spinal facilitation

1. The maintenance of a pool of neurons in a state of partial or subthreshold excitation; in this state, less afferent stimulation is required to trigger the discharge of impulses.

2. A theory regarding the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the neuronal activity associated with somatic dysfunction.

3. It may be due to sustained increase in afferent input, aberrant patterns of afferent input, or changes within the affected neurons themselves or their chemical environment. Once established, facilitation can be sustained by normal central nervous system (CNS) activity.

Splenic pump technique

Rhythmic compression applied over the spleen for the purpose of enhancing the patient’s immune response.

Tapotement

Striking the belly of a muscle with the hypothenar edge of the open hand in rapid succession in an attempt to increase its tone and arterial perfusion.

Thoracic inlet

This functional space consists of T1-4 vertebrae, ribs 1 and 2 plus their costicartilages, and the manubrium of the sternum.

Traction technique

A procedure of high or low amplitude in which the parts are stretched or separated along a longitudinal axis with continuous or intermittent force.

Trophicity

1. A nutritional function or relation.

2. The natural tendency to replenish the body stores that have been depleted.

Visceral Dysfunction

Impaired or altered mobility or motility of the visceral system and related fascial, neurological, vascular, skeletal and lymphatic elements.

Visceral Manipulation (VIS)

A system of diagnosis and treatment directed to the viscera to improve physiologic function. Typically, the viscera are moved toward their fascial attachments to a point of fascial balance. Also called ventral techniques.