Osteopathic techniques include many non-invasive, manual-therapy techniques. They may be divided into two basic categories, direct and indirect, depending upon how the practitioner addresses the restrictions in the body’s tissues.

• Direct Techniques – the practitioner thrusts through the restrictive barrier. Includes high velocity/low amplitude (chiropractic) and muscle energy techniques.
• Indirect Techniques – the practitioner works away from the restrictive barrier setting up the tissue to “unwind” and then move through the restrictive barrier on its own.The treatment modality selected depends upon the practitioner’s training and the patient’s problems. There are 6 different categories of Animal Normalization Techniques we use every day in treating patients. Vascular, Lymphatics, Fascia and Dura, and Cranial-Sacral have their own web pages. Below are brief descriptions of the rest of the techniques.FUNCTIONAL INDIRECT TECHNIQUES (FIT)With direct techniques, the segment being treated is positioned towards (against) the restrictive barrier. With indirect techniques, the segment being treated is taken away from the restrictive barrier, towards the opposite physiological barrier.

  A restrictive barrier feels tight when pressure is applied against it and further pressure can cause discomfort. A physiological barrier is when you go to the the restrictive barrier back off until it relieves tension and relaxes. Between the restrictive barrier and the opposite physiological barrier is a dynamic balance point (DBP), the point in flexion/extension, side-bending right/left and rotation right/left of the joint where the surrounding tissues are the MOST relaxed (the position of ease).

  At the DBP, the practitioner adds a slight compression or distraction to start the unwinding process of the restricted joint, until full range of motion and normal arthro-kinematics are restored. The technique, which integrates several neuro-physiological systems simultaneously, is pain free, easy to use, and has a long-lasting impact on resolution of the dysfunctions.

  NEUROLOGICAL GAIT TECHNIQUES

  These techniques help restore the neurological regulation of the musculo-skeletal system in its function of moving the body in the gait cycle, and the normal gaits of walking, trotting, etc.

  Four main “routers” are used to resolve problems in the neurological “timing gear” of joint capsules, fascia, ligaments, muscles, membranes, and tendons in dysfunctional areas of the body, allowing the body to gait normally again.

  The routers include:
  1. Mandible router for release of the cervical spine and cranium
  2. Thoracic router for the thoracic spine, ribcage and front legs
  3. Visceral router for organs both above and below the diaphragm
  4. Pubis router for the lumbar spine, the pelvis and the rear legs