Can you describe somatic dysfunction?

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all excited for the new academic year!

Somatic dysfunction. It is defined as impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system; skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures; and related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements.

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Basically, somatic dysfunction is when the tissues aren’t doing what they’re supposed to.

Here’s a reminder of the acronyms to ‘diagnose’ somatic dysfunction.

Ask yourself, are the tissues…

'TART' acronym

• Tender to touch

• Asymmetrical

• Restricted ROM (range of motion)

• Tissue changes (clammy, cold, hot etc)

'STAR' acronym

• Sensitivity changes (tender)

• Tissue texture abnormalities (clammy, cold, hot etc)

• Asymmetrical

• RoM - restricted Range Of Movement

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Reference:

• Greenman’s Principles of Manual Medicine

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