Counterstrain

I've learned so much in the past quarter of medical school, particularly in one of my favorite classes-  Osteopathic Theory and Methods.  In this class, we’re mainly learning about Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), one of the main elements that set D.O.s apart from M.D.s.  The point of OMT is to treat a somatic dysfunction.

“What exactly is a somatic dysfunction?” you might ask.

I’m so glad you asked!  I’ll tell you:

A somatic dysfunction is really just a fancy way of saying that there is altered function of related components of the body’s framework- the skeleton, joints, fascias, and all of the related vessels and nerves.  You get the picture?

Our goal as osteopathic physicians is to do what we can to get the body back to a state of “internal physiologic harmony” (a.k.a. healthy!).

We are being taught two main techniques, and then will be further subdividing those techniques into specific modalities (keep in mind that I’m still learning about the theory behind these… I can’t fix very many things just yet).

Each of the main techniques is classified according to how they relate with the barrier, or area of lost motion.  The “direct” techniques bring the restricted tissues towards the restrictive barrier.  Some of these techniques may be similar to what your chiropractor does.

The other main type of technique is referred to as “indirect.”  Indirect techniques move the joint or tissues away from the restrictive barrier, towards the direction of ease.  A decreased tension can be felt under the physician's fingers after five seconds to a few minutes depending on the technique and the skill level of the physician.  The release is not necessarily due to the forces placed on the tissues by the physician, but rather on the inherent forces within the joint.  Our text states that it is typically quite comfortable for the patient.  Over the past three months, I have gotten the opportunity to try my hand (haha) at some basic indirect manipulation.  I have only recently experienced indirect therapy on my back for the first time, and was surprised at the way in which my displaced vertebrae were willing to slide back to their proper places simply by being gently tugged to their position of ease. 

Do you ever feel like you’ve reached a state of dysfunction?  I get that way often.  The bones, joints, fascias, vessels and nerves that make up my life get out of joint.  And funny how they all go out in relation to each other, huh?

Some times all I need is a little ease to get my parts back in their proper places.

Take night time, for instance.  Some days, if I could have it my way, I would love to have the energy to work all night.  But God knows that I need my framework to relax a little bit.  For seven hours, the deadlines go away, I forget that I ache, I don’t get hungry… it all eases away.  In the morning, I wake up with His new mercies and can tackle the day head-on. 

There are many moments like that in which the joints of life can be eased into place simply by being nudged into a place of comfort.  For example...

Dinner time- as I lay aside whatever I’m working on to work specifically on my nutrition and my relationship with my roommate- not to mention giving my brain a break.   

Weekends- no classes to pile up information that needs to be sorted and memorized- just sleeping in and leisurely working through my “to-do” list.

Workouts- I'm not sure if it's working off the pent-up aggression of the day, or sweating out toxins, or what... but life sure feels better after you walk out the gym doors!

The first moments of morning- as I dedicate my day to the Lord, the Spiritual plane of my life eases into place, but also slides with it the other planes of my life such as physical, social, psychological, etc.  

Sunday mornings- similar to my daily sunrise surrender, but just an even more deliberate time in which I lay everything aside to focus on the spiritual component of my life.  

Breaks- somehow lots of the dysfunctions are eased then, aren’t they?

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for providing times of rest.  I praise You for the moments of ease that You bring through your Great Physician hand.  Thank You for providing strength in the times of stress, but also for providing times of refreshing.  Thanks for families and for sleeping in and for yummy food and for relaxation.  Your gifts are pretty amazing.  Please teach me to be grateful on more days than just Thanksgiving, and for more instances than simply the the good.  Right now, I'm just particularly thankful for breaks.

Gratefully Yours, 

Catherine

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 
and I will give you rest.”  -Jesus
Matthew 11:28