An Overview Of Somatic Dysfunction

Somatic dysfunction, a term used by health practitioners, refers to an impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic or body framework system, including skeletal, arthroidal, and myofascial structures and related vascular, lymphatic and neural elements; in simpler terms it is the impaired or altered function of the human body. Somatic dysfunction can be detected by health practitioners, including osteopaths, through a number of techniques to which they have learnt by dedicating long periods of their time to education and training. Throughout their schooling they obtain knowledge of different conditions associated with the body, as well as their common signs and symptoms. This understanding can then allow the identification of how the supposed functional impairment or issue was caused and how to treat the problem. The health practitioner’s knowledge and awareness of the issue will enable them to understand the patient’s condition and the potential discomfort they may be in. This can guide a practitioner to carefully plan and design their consultation to how they will treat and help the patient manage their condition, with the least impact within their essential daily activities and ultimately lives. There are also manual therapy techniques that particular health practitioners are extremely skilled with, this can also be applied to manage the specific problem. Treatment can include both physical as well as other means including informing the patient on potential outcomes and impacts that can occur, especially in terms of recovery.

Somatic dysfunction is identifiable by osteopaths due to their significant training and knowledge of the human body. Health practitioners such as osteopaths endure a committed period, up to 5 years, dedicated to learning the human body and its abnormalities. At the end of their studies they have the ability and capability of identifying the slightest change or abnormality of the human body, regardless of the body type, shape or size. They are able to reach patients health outcomes, which may include somatic dysfunction, through their personal designed flow of consultation, which leads them to quality information regarding the presented complaint. The consultation process uses a wide variety of methods while gathering information, including opened and closed questions as well as other methods which can lead to and rule out the root of the problem and suspected underlying issues. Somatic dysfunction injuries can be identified through its associated common signs and symptoms which includes sensory changes, tissue texture changes, asymmetry, restricted range of motion, trigger points, numbness and tingling. Health practitioners are able to identify somatic dysfunction from its associated indications as well as disregard other health issues which may also share the signs and symptoms of other body abnormalities. It is easily understandable for a health practitioner to identify somatic dysfunction and its causes through their previous years of education and prior knowledge.

Somatic dysfunction has few causes which can lead to other major issues to do with the human body. The abnormality most commonly occurs from sudden movements, which can include a simple actions such as a stumble or a fall. Somatic dysfunction can also be the result of biomechanical deviations as well as postural abnormalities which may include positions such as a slouched back. Usually multiple regions of the body are involved within patients suffering, including thoracic, cervical and lumbar regions as well as the sacrum and pelvis. Somatic dysfunction can be very uncomfortable for an individual and has been reported to cause other issues. Other issues which included difference in leg length. Difference in leg length can affect the ability to evenly weight bare. This can then also lead to prolonged somatic dysfunction. Individuals may also complain of severe pain, including lower back pain, causing serious discomfort not allowing the individual to take part in everyday and essential activities such as sleeping or participating in job activities. The causes and uncomfortable effects upon an individual can be managed through treatment.

Soft tissue techniques are often used to assist and ease individuals suffering from somatic dysfunction. The most common treatment for somatic dysfunction is osteopathic manual therapy. This particular treatment can assist tissues to release and stimulate involved muscles which surround the restricted area. Manual therapy techniques can either be direct or indirect methods. Direct methods consist of techniques that engage barriers of movement, where joints are taken to the restrictive barrier or also referred to as bind. Indirect methods are ultimately the opposite of direct methods as they avoid engaging barriers of movement all together. Joints are generally taken to positions of ease, encouraging the fascia to slowly release. There are also other approaches in terms of treatment which include medication, such as anti inflammatories, pain relievers and muscle relaxants. This medication can help ease patient pain and discomfort and potentially improve their quality of life. In acute conditions, acute representing an unpleasant situation, it can be expected a patient can make a full recovery. However, in chronic cases, where it's frequently reoccurring, treatment can be used to help relieve and manage pain, but full recoveries are less likely. To prevent discomfort particular physical activity can be introduced and conducted, such as appropriate warm up activities before exercise. Appropriate training should also be conducted and maintained.

Somatic dysfunction in some cases can be cured and in others can only be managed by soft tissue techniques and other alternatives. Somatic dysfunction is a term used by health practitioners when they have identified particular implications and abnormalities within the human body. Somatic dysfunction can be identified by health practitioners through their sustained knowledge of a wide range of body related issues and the associations that come with the particular issue. Usually caused by sudden body movements including those that may occur when one has slipped or fallen, can have impacts upon an individual’s daily lives however, in some cases can be managed and even cured. This can be done through a variety of soft tissue techniques, including both direct and indirect methods which serve different purposes. There are also other methods to managing and healing somatic dysfunction, which includes medications as well as maintaining appropriate exercise.