Manual Medicine


Manual medicine is the use of palpation and operator directed techniques to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Manual medicine is based, in part, on the belief that man is a self regulating being and that the body, when in normal structural relationship, is capable of self healing and defense against disease. "The goal of manipulation is to restore maximal pain free movement of the musculoskeletal system in postural balance".

A manual medicine diagnosis is made using a comprehensive history, detailed and specific physical examination including Osteopathic, orthopaedic, neurologic, Chiropractic and rheumatologic exams, appropriate radiologic studies and the specific laying on of hands to palpate musculoskeletal parameters, including but not limited to, asymmetry of related musculoskeletal components, range of motion abnormalities of mobility, tissue texture changes, circulation of fluids and energy. (Text from American Association of Orthopedic Medicine web site.) For more information, visit www.aaomed.org

  • Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

    Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment is a hands-on treatment where Osteopathic Physicians use their hands to examine your back and other parts of your body such as joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles, for pain and restriction during motion that could signal an injury or impaired function. Read More...

  • Cranial Osteopathy

    Cranial osteopathy is a form of osteopathic manipulative therapy that makes use of a body rhythm (craniosacral rhythm) that we all have, to detect and treat restrictions of motion. We are not normally aware of it, but the body (including the head) very slowly and subtly widens and narrows every six to ten seconds. Accompanying this, is an inward and outward rotation of the limbs similar in quality to the rolling of an ocean wave. Read More...

  • Therapeutic Exercise Prescription

    Therapeutic Exercise Prescription begins with the evaluation of the neuromuscular system. This evaluation identifies the presence of postural balance vs. imbalance. Imbalance is dictated by maladaptive movement patterns that are neurologically driven to cause certain muscle groups to become tightened and short, while other muscle groups become loose and weak.  Read More...

  • Myofascial Release

    Myofascial Release (MFR) A system of diagnosis and treatment first described by Andrew Taylor Still and his early students, which engages continual palpatory feedback to achieve release of myofascial tissues; the myofascial tissue consists of the muscles and fascia. The practitioner applies pressure to the surface of the skin or other tissues, using varying amounts of pressure, to selectively determine the condition of the parts beneath. Also referred to as MFR, this procedure to designed to stretch and reflexly release patterned soft tissue and joint-related restrictions. (Parts of Text from American Osteopathic Association Glossary)

  • Counterstrain

    A system of diagnosis and treatment that considers the dysfunction to be a continuing, inappropriate strain reflex, which is inhibited by applying a position of mild strain in the direction exactly opposite to that of the reflex; this is accomplished by specific directed positioning about the point of tenderness to achieve the desired therapeutic response. (Text from American Osteopathic Association Glossary)

  • Muscle Energy

    Manipulative Treatment in which the patient's muscles are actively used on request from a precisely controlled position, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed counterforce.  Read More...

  • Fulford Percussion Hammer

    The Fulford Percussion Hammer was invented by Dr. Robert Fulford to help treat the fascial "stuckness" in the body. He was an engineer and an osteopathic physician who determined that the use of the percussion hammer through a vibrational frequency is very effective in "unlocking" stuck fascia. Read More...

  • High Velocity Low Amplitude

    A thrust treatment technique that uses High Velocity/Low Amplitude forces. (Text from American Osteopathic Association Glossary)

  • Soft Tissue Deep Articulation: What is Soft Tissue Deep Articulation?

    The Physician gently and repeatedly forces the joint against the restrictive barrier, intending to reduce the barrier and improve motion.  Read More...

  • Facilitated Positional Release

    A system of indirect myofascial release treatment. The component region of the body is placed in a neutral position, diminishing tissue and joint tension in all planes and an activating force (compression or torsion) is added. (Text from American Osteopathic Association Glossary)

  • Somato-Emotional Release Work

    Somato-Emotional Release is a part of the treatment that occurs when the patient becomes aware that there is a mind and body connection while receiving Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.

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