Recall: Diagnosing the OA

Steps for Treatment:

EASE, COMPRESSION, BARRIER

1. The patient is supine with the physician seated or standing at the head of the table.
2. The physician places a hand under the occiput of the patient using the index finger and thumb to monitor.  The finger and thumb should be placed just posterior to the mastoid processes and the patient’s head should be supported by the palm of the physician’s hand.
3. Ease
   • Grasp skull and move the OA joint into its position of ease – all 3 planes. (Ex: OA E RlSr: Extend, Rotate left, Sidebend right)
   • Slightly exaggerate position of ease (tissues soften)
4. Compression
   • Apply compression force until it is felt in the monitoring hand
5. Barrier
   • While maintaining compression, move the OA joint into its restrictive barrier – all 3 planes. You will move through the barrier to end up in the position that is opposite of your diagnosis (Ex: OA E RlSr: Flex, rotate right, sidebend left)
6. Release compression and return to neutral
7. Reassess

Video Tutorial: