Viscerosomatic Reflexes and Chapman’s Reflexes DSA

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Somatosomatic reflexes

Ex: withdrawal response, myotatic response

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Somatovisceral reflex

(Somatocardiac with increased BP and HR, somatogastric with inhibition of peristalsis, somatoadrenal with catecholamine release)

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Viscerosomatic reflexes

Ex: visceral nociceptive stim during MI —> somatic pain in shoulder/arm

Question 4

Localized visceral stimulus producing patterns of reflex response in segmentally related visceral structures

Answer 4

Viscerovisceral reflex

Ex: distention of the gut —> increased contraction of gut muscle

Question 5

Group of palpable points occurring in predictable locations on anterior and posterior surfaces of the body that are considered reflections of visceral dysfunction/disease

Answer 5

Chapman’s reflexes

Question 6

3 components of chapman’s reflexes

Answer 6

Viscerosomatic reflex

Gangliform contraction that blocks lymphatic drainage and causes SNS dysfunction

Consistent reproducible series of points both anterior and posterior related to specific organs or conditions

Question 7

Palpitory features of chapman’s reflex

Answer 7

Deep to skin in subcutaneous areolar tissue on deep fascia or periosteum

Paired anterior and posterior in most cases

Small, smooth, firm nodules approx 2-3 mm

May be confluent

Pain characteristically pinpoint, sharp, and non-radiating

Question 8

Indications for chapman’s reflexes

Answer 8

For dx: as part of screening exam when clinically indicated by patient hx

For tx: upon finding CR that is possibly clinically relevant

Question 9

Contraindications for chapman’s reflexes

Answer 9

Emergent situations (do ABCs first)

Patient refusal

Relative contraindications with fracture and cancer, or otherwise unstable pt

Question 10

History of chapman’s reflexes

Answer 10

Frank Chapman, DO in 1901 had pt with adenoiditis and treated indurated inguinal glands

Findings and documentation support by Dr. Owens

Question 11

Tx of Chapman’s reflexes

Answer 11

Apply somewhat heavy and even uncomfortable pressure to gangliform mass

Slowly move tip of finger in circular fashion (attempt to flatten mass) x10-30 seconds

Can alternate CW/CCW

Cease tx when mass disappears or when pt can no longer tolerate

Question 12

Documentation of right lower lung Chapman’s reflex in Objective, Assessment, and Plan

Answer 12

Objection: CR on the right for lower lung

Assessment: SD, Other

Plan: OMT using soft tissue and lymphatics

Question 13

Post-treatment precautions/side effects for chapman’s reflexes

Answer 13

There may be some post treatment discomfort. Drink plenty of water (1-3L) over 24 hours. Patient may take what they normally take for pain management as long as no other contraindications. Always recommend rest after OMT