(L1) Introduction to Somatic Dysfunction

Question 1

What are the osteopathic tenets?

L1 S4-8

Answer 1

1. The body is a unit
2. The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated
4. Rational therapy is based off understanding the first three tenets

Question 2

What is somatic dysfunction?

L1 S9-11

Answer 2

Impaired or altered function of:

• skeletal
• arthrodial
• myofascial

And assocaited:

• vascular
• lymphatic
• neural elements

Question 3

How is somatic dysfunction diagnosed?

L1 S15-19

Answer 3

TART

• Tissue texture changes
• Asymmetry
• Restriction of motion
• Tenderness

Question 4

What are tissue characteristics of acute somatic dysfunction?

L1 S24

Answer 4

• erythema
• increased warmth
• bogginess
• edema
• spasm
• tissue contraction

Question 5

What are tissue characteristics of chronic somatic dysfunction?

L1 S24

Answer 5

• pale
• cool
• ropey
• stringy
• scar
• doughy

Question 6

What is the difference between passive and active range of motion?
What bounds each and what is the region between the two?

L1 S28

Answer 6

Active:

• ROM that the patient can achieve
• bound by physiologic barrier

Passive:

• ROM that is achieved with outside assistance
• bound by anatomic barrier

Elastic range is between physiologic and anatomic barrier

Question 7

What is a restrictive barrier?

L1 S31-32

Answer 7

Barrier that occurs before normal physiologic barrier and results in motion loss

Question 8

When is OMT indicated (2) and contraindicated (3)?

L1 S34;37

Answer 8

Indicated:

• somatic dysfunction
• visceral dysfunction

Contraindicated:

• no somatic dysfunction
• no consent
• inappropriate clinical situation

Question 9

What are the different levels of evidence for OMT?

L1 S35

Answer 9

A - randomized clinical trial or systematic reviews

B - case-control or cohort studies, retrospective studies

C - consensus statements, expert guidelines and usual practice