Strain-Counterstrain—also known as Positional Release Therapy or Tender Point Therapy—is a non-invasive manual technique used by healthcare professionals to address pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and joint strains. Its success is rooted in a deep understanding of the underlying physiology of the osteopathic somatic lesion and the neuromuscular reflexes that govern tissue tone. IContinueContinue reading “Strain-Counterstrain: A Gentle Approach to Pain Relief and Enhanced Functionality (Expanded)”
Tag Archives: manual therapy
A Comprehensive Look at Chapman’s Points in Osteopathic Practice
Chapman’s points—often termed Chapman’s reflexes—are a unique and valuable tool in osteopathic medicine. They represent specific, tender nodules found on the body that are believed to reflect underlying visceral or systemic dysfunction. As both diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, these points provide a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay between the body’s structure and itsContinueContinue reading “A Comprehensive Look at Chapman’s Points in Osteopathic Practice”
Myofascial Release: A Deep Dive into Fascia and Function
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a core osteopathic manual therapy focused on the fascia—an extensive connective tissue network enveloping muscles, bones, and organs. Through gentle, sustained pressure or guided positioning, MFR aims to relieve tension, reduce pain, and restore balance throughout the body. This explores the essential principles of MFR, from the basic science of fasciaContinueContinue reading “Myofascial Release: A Deep Dive into Fascia and Function”
A Comprehensive Guide to Osteopathic Mobilizations: Understanding the “Pop”
Introduction Osteopathic mobilizations are a core component of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This method focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the joints and surrounding tissues by positioning the body to engage movement barriers and then applying a brief, precise corrective movement. Practitioners often refer to the characteristic “pop” or “click” that may beContinueContinue reading “A Comprehensive Guide to Osteopathic Mobilizations: Understanding the “Pop””
Biofluid Mechanics in Osteopathy: Unraveling the Science of Fluid Flow
In Osteopathic Philosophy we often talk about “structure and function” being intimately related. Nowhere is this relationship more apparent than in how fluids move throughout the body. A core tenet of osteopathic practice is that health depends on unrestricted flow—whether that’s blood, lymph, interstitial fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this post, we’ll delve intoContinueContinue reading “Biofluid Mechanics in Osteopathy: Unraveling the Science of Fluid Flow”
Cardiopulmonary Function and Cardiac Output and how Osteopathy can help
Cardiac output and lung function are intricately linked, as both the heart and lungs share a confined space within the thoracic cavity. Changes in one can significantly impact the other, but what may not be obvious is how osteopathic lesions—or somatic dysfunctions—can play a critical role in altering cardiopulmonary dynamics. Let’s explore how these dysfunctionsContinueContinue reading “Cardiopulmonary Function and Cardiac Output and how Osteopathy can help”
How can Osteopathic care potentially help reduce the burden of microplastics
As I have mentioned in previous posts, Microplastics (MPs), the minuscule remnants of plastic degradation, have infiltrated every aspect of our lives, from the water we drink to the food we eat. Disturbingly, research shows these particles can accumulate in human tissues, particularly within the extracellular matrix (ECM), disrupting its critical functions and contributing toContinueContinue reading “How can Osteopathic care potentially help reduce the burden of microplastics”
Microplastics, ECM Stiffness, and Metabolic Health: How Environmental Pollutants Disrupt Our Body’s Intricate Balance
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for maintaining the structure and function of tissues, impacting everything from cell signaling to metabolism. Recent research highlights how environmental pollutants—specifically bisphenol A (BPA) and microplastics (MPs)—can disrupt the ECM, leading to significant consequences for immune responses, metabolism, and tissue integrity. This blog post will explore how these factorsContinueContinue reading “Microplastics, ECM Stiffness, and Metabolic Health: How Environmental Pollutants Disrupt Our Body’s Intricate Balance”
Optimizing Golf Performance through Biomechanics and Osteopathic Intervention
Golf is a sport that requires precise control of biomechanics, particularly during the swing. A golfer’s ability to efficiently transfer forces from the lower body through the pelvis, spine, and into the arms is key to generating power and consistency in their performance. Understanding these biomechanics can help prevent injury and improve technique. Osteopathic interventionContinueContinue reading “Optimizing Golf Performance through Biomechanics and Osteopathic Intervention”
Thomism and its relation to Osteopathic care
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the body’s natural ability to heal itself, considering the interconnection of structure and function within the human body. This philosophy aligns closely with the thoughts of the 13th-century philosopher Thomas Aquinas, particularly his concept of the Four Causes. Aquinas adapted Aristotle’s ideas to explain how differentContinueContinue reading “Thomism and its relation to Osteopathic care”