The AAO Journal, 2006/09, 16(3):21-24, type of study: ,art,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/aaoj)

Keywords:

article [2635]
musculoskeletal system [32]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
visceral osteopathy [99]

Abstract:

Practitioners using osteopathic diagnosis and treatment have experience with or exposure to many branches of the osteopathic tree. There are branches that focus upon the viscera. Jean-Pierre Barral has written and lectured extensively on palpatory evaluation and treatment of visceral dysfunction. This article will look at the various approaches used to assess the expression of viscero-somatic input in the musculoskeletal system. Chapman’s reflexes are well known manifestations of visceral influence upon the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths routinely look for somatic dysfunction at vertebral levels that correspond to the source of sympathetic innervation for a given viscus. Some identify associated characteristic tissue texture changes associated with viscero-somatic influence. William L. Johnston, DO, FAAO introduced compelling evidence for other specific indicators of visceral input affecting musculoskeletal function; ‘Lack-of-Accord’, ‘Linkage’, and certain chondral diagnostic characteristics. These elements are explored in detail in the second edition of Functional Methods by Johnston, Friedman, and Eland. There appears to be an additional relationship that suggests the presence of viscero-somatic input in relationship to any diagnosed dysfunction in the axial spine. When viscerosomatic input is present, there can be a lack-of-agreement between local motion input and regional motion input. This article will focus upon the concepts of local motion input vs. regional motion input and their implications for diagnosis and treatment.