Abdomen and intro to visceral OMM Flashcards
What are the external and internal oblique muscles involved with?
Forced expiration
What is the effect of the transversus abdominis?
It acts to increase intra-abdominal pressure and raise the diaphragm (due to the horizontal fibers pulling the rectus sheath towards the posterior body).
What action is the transversus abdominis involved with?
It is active in both inhalation and exhalation. (can be felt contracting during sneezing, ect).
What is the function of the rectus abdominus muscle?
Flexion of the torso and counter-balancing the para-spinal muscles.
What other function does the rectus abdominus muscle have?
It functions as a corset trussing the abdominal organs in place and pushing them upward to make a fulcrum.
What are some of the general functions of the antero-lateral abdominal muscles?
Maintain abdominal tone, support abdomen and viscera, and generate positive pressure for coughing/sneezing, defecating/urinating, birth, ect.
How do the oblique muscles provide support the abdominal viscera?
They act through the anterior aponeurosis and the rectus sheath to provide the majority of the tension holding things in place (although the other abdominal muscles contribute as well).
How do turgor and intra-cavitary pressure support the viscera?
They hold the viscera in place, remain constant in mass, yet stick together.
How do the obliques and transversus affect the lumbar spine?
They tighten the LD aponeurosis to control motion and provide stability to the lumbar spine.
What are some of the consequences of poor abdominal tone?
Poor organ function, ineffective coughing/impaired breathing, difficulty using the bathroom, difficulty with vaginal delivery, and thoracic/lumbar back pain due to the center of gravity shifting anterior.
What is visceral OMT?
Visceral (myofascial) techniques to address restriction of mobility and motility of the viscera.
How can visceral OMT improve organ function and complement drug treatment?
It can improve arterial, venous, and lymphatic flow which is vital for organ function. Can also improve nerve flow.
What is mobility?
Movement of the diaphragm or movement of an organ against another organ or a musculoskeletal component.
What is motility?
The inherent motion of an organ, which is slow in frequency and small in amplitude. Not to be confused with physiologic motility i.e peristalsis.
What is motricity?
Passive changes in the position of an organ due to motor activity of the locomotor system.
