AOBFP Family Medicine key terms

A whole-person approach to medicine that treats the body as an integrated unit, emphasizing the body's self-regulating and self-healing capacity, the unity of structure and function, and the role of the musculoskeletal system in health.

Impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic system, including skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures, and their related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements; identified by positional asymmetry, restricted motion, tissue texture change, and tenderness.

The four findings used to identify somatic dysfunction: Tissue texture abnormality, Asymmetry of position, Restriction of motion, and Tenderness to palpation. Findings are documented by region and severity.

The point at which a joint or tissue meets resistance before reaching its full physiologic range, felt as a premature stop during passive motion testing. It indicates loss of normal motion rather than normal anatomic limitation.

The quality of resistance perceived at the end of a joint's passive range of motion, such as firm, springy, hard, or boggy. It helps distinguish normal capsular or ligamentous limits from abnormal restriction or pathology.

Active and passive assessment of how far a joint or body region moves and how it moves. Comparing sides and noting pain, quality, and restriction helps localize somatic dysfunction and guide treatment choices.

A spinal or tissue region with lowered threshold for neural firing due to persistent noxious input, producing exaggerated reflexes, tenderness, and muscle tension. It often maintains dysfunction and may refer pain to distant areas.

A reflex in which dysfunction of an internal organ produces changes in the related somatic tissues, such as muscle tension, tenderness, or skin changes in a segmentally linked area. These findings can be clues to visceral disease.

A reflex in which somatic dysfunction, such as restricted spinal motion or muscle tension, sends altered neural input that can affect the function of related internal organs. It supports the rationale for treating musculoskeletal dysfunction in some visceral complaints.

A small, tender, boggy or firm nodule found in specific soft-tissue locations, often associated with dysfunction of a particular organ or gland. It is used as a diagnostic clue and a target for lymphatic or soft-tissue treatment.

A hyperirritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle that is tender and may produce local or referred pain, sometimes with a jump sign. It differs from a tender point by its taut band and referral pattern.

A localized area of tenderness in muscle or soft tissue that is painful on palpation but lacks the taut band and characteristic referral of a trigger point. It is commonly assessed in fibromyalgia.

A hands-on technique that applies sustained gentle traction or pressure to fascial and muscle tissue to lengthen restricted areas and restore motion. It is used for somatic dysfunction involving soft tissues rather than isolated joint restriction.

An osteopathic technique in which the patient voluntarily contracts a muscle in a specific direction against a counterforce from the physician while the physician controls position and duration. It uses reciprocal inhibition and postisometric relaxation to improve motion.

A technique that places a body region in a position of comfort that reduces tenderness, then holds it briefly to reset abnormal muscle spindle and proprioceptive reflexes. It is often used for acute tender points and somatic dysfunction.

A manipulative technique using a rapid, short thrust applied at or near the restrictive barrier after positioning the patient. It is used to restore motion in somatic dysfunction and requires careful screening for contraindications.

An indirect osteopathic technique that moves a dysfunctional region into its position of ease, adds compression or traction, then returns it through the restrictive barrier to restore motion. It is gentler than thrust techniques.

An indirect method that positions a body region in the direction of its easiest motion and follows subtle tissue changes until restriction releases. It relies on the body's inherent motion rather than force.

An indirect technique that places a joint or region in a balanced position so ligaments and soft tissues are under equal tension, allowing a gentle release of restriction. It is often used in pediatric and acute care settings.

A rhythmic compression and release of the chest, abdomen, or extremities designed to promote movement of lymph and venous blood. It is used to support fluid drainage and immune function in selected patients.

A gentle manual approach that assesses and treats subtle rhythmic motion of the skull, sacrum, and related tissues. Evidence is limited, and it is used cautiously in selected patients.

Conditions in which manipulative treatment could cause harm, such as unstable fractures, severe osteoporosis, spinal cord compression, malignancy at the site, or active infection. Screening before treatment is essential.

Warning symptoms suggesting serious underlying disease rather than mechanical pain, including fever, unexplained weight loss, night pain, neurological deficits, or history of cancer. Their presence prompts further evaluation before treatment.

An approach that respects patients' values, preferences, and needs, involving them in decisions and coordinating care across settings. It is a core principle of family medicine and supports shared decision-making.

The ongoing relationship between a patient and a clinician or care team over time, providing accumulated knowledge and coordinated management. It is associated with better preventive care and patient satisfaction.

A model of primary care that provides accessible, comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous care with the patient at the center. It emphasizes team-based care, quality improvement, and prevention.

A collaborative process in which clinicians and patients discuss options, benefits, and harms and agree on a plan consistent with the patient's values. It is central to informed consent and preference-sensitive care.

Testing apparently healthy people to detect disease early when treatment before symptoms improves outcomes. Choice of test depends on age, risk factors, and evidence, and must weigh benefits against harms such as false positives.

The recommended timing and sequence of vaccines across the lifespan, based on age, health status, and risk. It is updated regularly and guides preventive care in family medicine.

A framework that considers biological, psychological, and social factors together in understanding health and illness. It guides assessment and management of complex problems such as chronic pain and depression.

Long-term, planned care for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, including monitoring, medication adjustment, self-management support, and prevention of complications. It relies on continuity and team-based care.

A collaborative conversation style that helps patients explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change. It uses open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summaries to strengthen the patient's own motivation.

A scheduled preventive visit for assessment of risk factors, screening, immunizations, and counseling rather than a specific complaint. It supports early detection and longitudinal prevention.

A systematic physical assessment of the musculoskeletal system for asymmetry, restricted motion, tissue texture change, and tenderness. Findings guide diagnosis of somatic dysfunction and selection of osteopathic manipulative treatment.

Naming a somatic dysfunction by the direction of its restricted motion, such as a vertebra that is restricted in rotation or sidebending. It links examination findings to a specific treatment plan.