Advancing the Understanding and Treatment of the Thoracic Inlet and Incorporation of a New Still Technique—Part 1
The osteopathic profession has long emphasized the importance of improving homeostasis and overall health through the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The respiratory-circulatory model seeks to achieve these goals by resolving somatic dysfunctions (SD) that may restrict venous and lymphatic return. One of the most significant somatic dysfunctions to address in this model is the thoracic inlet. Despite the emphasis on this somatic dysfunction, classic treatment approaches of the thoracic inlet remain some of the most challenging corrections. In this article, an approach to somatic dysfunction of the thoracic inlet (SDTI) with a new application of Still technique principles is presented. This technique offers a safe, efficient, and effective treatment approach for patients who may present with substantial comorbidities. Considerations for difficult to correct SDTI are discussed. In addition, a more global approach is presented—with an awareness of the dynamic structural relationships and functionality of the region—to treat SDTI with enhanced success.Abstract
Contributor Notes
Financial disclosures: none reported.
Dr Lewis prepared this manuscript as one of the requirements to earn fellowship in the American Academy of Osteopathy. The Committee on Fellowship in the AAO provided peer reviewing for this article, and it was edited to conform to the AAOJ’s style guidelines.
Because of the length of this manuscript, it has been divided into two parts. The second part will be published in the March 2018 issue of the AAOJ.