Clinical Strain- Counterstrain OMT - American Academy of Osteopathy

88 Pages·2014·14.32 MB·English

by  William Devine

Clinical Strain-
Counterstrain OMT
William H. Devine, D.O.
Clinical Professor
OMM Department
Midwestern University
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Objectives
• Describe Strain Counterstrain OMT and describe its
relationship to somatic dysfunction and
mechanoreceptors, fascia and neuromuscular
reflexes.
• Discuss the barriers for indirect treatment
approaches.
• Compare and contrast counterstrain, myofascial
release, functional techniques and indirect balancing
techniques.
• Describe the principles of Strain-Counterstrain and to
teach basic Clinical Applications and OMT
Indirect OMM is Passive,
Relaxing and “Laid Back”
Indirect OMT rebalances tissue by calming down
mechanoreceptors in the fascia and muscle tendon receptors.
Indirect OMM Requires
Visualization of Anatomy
It Requires Continuous
Balance and Attention for
Results
Indirect Technique
• The Barrier Concept
• Position away from the restrictive barrier into the position of
free motion.
• New neutral point or center of range of motion is created.
• It rebalances mechanoreceptors and adaptations.
• Is accomplished by diagnosing a maladapted pattern, and
interactively moving fascia reducing strain patterns, and
reducing mechanoreceptor protective reflexes by positioning to a
position of balance or ease.
• Is very effective in acute and painful somatic dysfunction as well
as inflammatory pathological conditions.
Fascia
• Definition
• Dense regular connective tissue arranged in
layers; ubiquitous and should be viewed in 3-D.
• All the connective tissue of the body that has a
supportive function, including ligaments,
tendons, dural membranes and the linings of
body cavities.
Structure of Fascia
• Elastic

• Ground Substance
• Specialized Mechanoreceptors-
Proprioceptors & nociceptors
Relationship of Fascia to Somatic
Dysfunction
(T).A.R.T.
chronic
irritant
abnormal movement
macrophages activated
(biomechanics)
shrinkage of connective tissue
increased vascularity
increased myofibroblastic
activity
increased fibrolastic
activity
increased production of connective
tissue (fibrosis)
Goal of Indirect OMT is to rebalance somatic
dysfunction: