Somatic Dysfunction… “Is it?”: A Review of the Osteopathic Toolbox & The Potential for Its Application

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Musculoskeletal complaints are present in 48% of the population and are the second-most reported reason patients PCPs.  OMT has been shown to effectively treat many conditions such as low back pain with a reduced cost and need for concomitant medication use or medical intervention.  OMT use among osteopathic physicians in the US continues to decline.  Statistically significant barriers include lack of reimbursement, lack of time, lack of institutional practice/support, and lack of confidence/proficiency.  The goal of this presentation is to provide insight for DOs to overcome these barriers to incorporating OMT into their practice.

Following the completion of this lecture, the participant will be able to:

1. Achieve proficiency with techniques to both stimulate and/or inhibit the ANS.
2. Achieve proficiency with techniques to move lymphatic & glymphatic fluid.
3. Achieve proficiency with both the recognition of T A R T findings, and their diagnostic and treatment applications.
4. Recognize OMT applications to common medical problems.
5. Know the autonomic nervous system (ANS) operates in parallel, i.e. neither ever “turns off”.