Somatic Dysfunction. Clinical Guidelines 2023
Authors: Mokhov D. E. , Belash V. O. , Aptekar I. A. , Nenashkina E. N. , Potekhina Y. P. , Tregubova E. S. , Belyaev A. F. 
Published: June 2023

The aim is to present for osteopaths the modern ideas about somatic dysfunctions as potentially reversible structural and functional disorders in the human body, and about its diagnostics and the correction possibilities.

A specifi c subject of osteopathic infl uence is a group of palpable phenomena, which are called somatic dysfunctions. Somatic dysfunctions are included in the International Classifi cation of Diseases, Injuries and Conditions Affecting Health, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Somatic dysfunction (SD) is a potentially reversible structural and functional disorder in tissues and organs, manifested by palpation-determined limitations of various types of movements and mobility. Reversibility is one of the main characteristics of SD, associated with the ability to obtain the effect of changing/eliminating the identifi ed disorders in response to various methods of osteopathic correction. Impaired mobility, that is, SD, can have several components that can be combined with each other and have different degrees of severity — biomechanical, hydrodynamic (rhythmogenic) and neurodynamic. SD can manifest itself at the global, regional and local levels, and can have an acute or chronic character. The leading role in the pathogenesis of SD formation belongs to the connective tissue. Based on anamnestic data, physical examination, as well as using the algorithm of palpation diagnostic techniques, osteopaths determine the relative position of the body structures and their symmetry, as well as the qualitative state of the tissues. In addition to the generally accepted formulation of the diagnosis, an osteopathic conclusion includes the indication of biomechanical, rhythmogenic and neurodynamic disorders at the global, regional and local levels, as well as the dominant SD, the correction of which will be the logical ultimate goal of the osteopathic session. In accordance with the current regulatory framework, the osteopathic physician at the appointment fi lls out the form «Primary examination by an osteopathic physician» or the form «Examination by an osteopathic physician (observation in dynamics)». These medical documents are an insert in the Registration Form № 025/u, approved by the order of the Ministry of Health of Russia dated December 15, 2014 № 834n. The restoration of mobility is the goal of osteopathic treatment techniques applying and leads to the normalization of the functional state of tissues. The practice of osteopathy is to release the elements of the musculoskeletal system, internal organs, to restore the proper functioning of all body systems, including the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. In the absence of contraindications (absolute or relative), the treatment regimen is determined individually in accordance with the issued osteopathic conclusion, including the defi ning of the number, nature (type) of techniques and the sequence of their use in a given session. The effectiveness of osteopathic correction of SD has been proven for various diseases and conditions, a list of which is also presented in the Recommendations.

Conclusion. The implementation of the Clinical Recommendations can contribute to the timely diagnosis and improve the quality of medical care for patients with SD.