OEBC Written Exam key terms

A treatable 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 palpation.

An older term for a regional area of altered structure and function in the musculoskeletal system that interferes with local or remote physiology; modern practice generally prefers the term somatic dysfunction.

One of the four diagnostic criteria of somatic dysfunction; palpable alteration in skin, fascia, or muscle such as edema, increased tone, contracture, or bogginess compared with the opposite side.

A diagnostic criterion of somatic dysfunction in which paired or corresponding structures differ in position, shape, or motion quality when examined from side to side or segment to segment.

A diagnostic criterion of somatic dysfunction describing limited or altered range and quality of movement at a joint or body region, felt as a barrier before the expected physiologic end range.

A discrete, localized area of tenderness within muscle or fascia that is painful on palpation but does not reproduce the patient's referred pain pattern; distinct from a trigger point.

A hyperirritable spot in taut skeletal muscle or fascia that is tender and, when compressed, can produce characteristic referred pain, tenderness, or autonomic phenomena distant from the site.

A spinal cord region rendered hyperexcitable by ongoing afferent input, lowering the threshold for reflex activity and contributing to sustained muscle contraction, tenderness, and autonomic changes.

A reflex in which afferent input from a diseased viscus alters somatic efferent activity, producing segmentally related muscle tension, tenderness, or skin changes detectable on examination.

A reflex in which somatic afferent input, such as from musculoskeletal dysfunction, influences autonomic outflow to an organ, potentially altering its function; a rationale for treating somatic dysfunction.

A discrete, palpable, tender nodule in deep fascia or muscle, typically associated with lymphatic congestion and named by body region; used as a diagnostic and treatment guide in osteopathy.

The limit to passive or active motion encountered by the examiner; described as physiologic, anatomic, elastic, or pathologic depending on whether it reflects normal tissue limits or restrictive dysfunction.

The quality of resistance appreciated at the end of passive range of motion, such as soft tissue approximation, capsular, bony, or spasm; abnormal end feel suggests articular or soft tissue pathology.

An osteopathic manipulative approach in which the operator engages the restrictive barrier and moves the tissue toward or through it, as in muscle energy, high-velocity low-amplitude, and articulatory methods.

An osteopathic manipulative approach in which the operator moves the dysfunctional region away from the restrictive barrier into the direction of ease, then waits for release, as in functional and counterstrain methods.

A direct technique in which the patient voluntarily contracts a muscle in a controlled direction against a counterforce from the operator, using post-isometric relaxation to improve motion and reduce dysfunction.

A direct technique using a rapid, precisely directed thrust of low amplitude delivered at the restrictive barrier, often producing an audible release; requires screening for contraindications such as instability or fracture.

An indirect technique in which the dysfunctional region is positioned to shorten the involved muscle and reduce tenderness at a tender point, held briefly, then returned to neutral to reset proprioceptive reflexes.

A hands-on technique applying sustained traction, compression, or torsion to fascial planes to restore normal elasticity and motion, often using indirect then direct engagement of restrictive barriers.

A rhythmic compression technique applied to the thorax, abdomen, or extremities to promote lymphatic and venous return, often used in edema, respiratory congestion, and postoperative care.

A subtle, palpable rhythmic motion of the body attributed to the craniosacral system, assessed by trained practitioners as part of osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine; its physiologic basis remains debated.

An osteopathic approach using gentle palpation and positioning of the cranial bones, sacrum, and dural membranes to address restrictions and support self-healing; evidence for its mechanisms is limited.

Continuous connective tissue forming sheets and bands that envelop muscles, organs, and nerves, transmitting force and providing proprioceptive feedback; a key target of myofascial and visceral techniques.

The ability of an organ to move freely within its cavity in response to respiration, posture, and adjacent structures; restricted mobility may reflect adhesion or somatic dysfunction.

The inherent, rhythmic motion attributed to an organ independent of respiratory or cardiac motion, assessed in osteopathic visceral manipulation as an indicator of organ health and motion quality.

Mechanical principles describing coupled motion of the lumbar and thoracic spine: sidebending precedes rotation in neutral, while rotation precedes sidebending in a flexed or extended (non-neutral) segment.

Spinal motion in which the segment is neither flexed nor extended; sidebending and rotation occur to opposite sides, and the segment is described as type I dysfunction when restricted.

Spinal motion in a flexed or extended segment in which sidebending and rotation occur to the same side; described as type II dysfunction when the segment is restricted.

The concept that musculoskeletal, autonomic, and organ function are interconnected through neural and fascial pathways, so dysfunction in one area can influence another and treatment may have systemic effects.

A core osteopathic principle holding that the body possesses inherent mechanisms to maintain health and recover from illness; treatment aims to remove obstacles to these mechanisms rather than replace them.

A foundational osteopathic principle stating that structure and function are reciprocally interrelated, so alteration in anatomy can disturb physiology and vice versa, guiding diagnosis and treatment.

The osteopathic principle that the body is a single integrated unit whose systems interact, so dysfunction in one region can affect distant structures and treatment considers the whole patient.

A structured regional examination using observation, palpation, and motion testing to identify tissue texture change, asymmetry, restriction, and tenderness before deciding on treatment or referral.

A clinical finding suggesting serious pathology such as fracture, infection, malignancy, or neurologic compromise, which warrants further investigation and may contraindicate manipulative treatment.

A condition or circumstance in which a treatment should not be used because it may cause harm, such as high-velocity thrust in an unstable spine or over a suspected fracture.

The process of explaining a proposed examination or treatment, its benefits, risks, and alternatives, and confirming the patient's voluntary agreement before proceeding.

The legally defined range of activities a clinician may perform under licensure, including assessment, diagnosis, and specified treatments, which varies by jurisdiction and must guide clinical decisions.

A refined hands-on assessment skill using light and deep touch to detect tissue texture, temperature, moisture, tone, and motion quality, forming the basis of somatic dysfunction diagnosis.