Edited by internationally recognized pain experts, this book offers 73 clinically relevant cases, accompanied by discussion in a question-and-answer format.

This clinically oriented textbook provides a patient-focused approach to the diagnosis and treatment of somatic dysfunction—functional impairment of the musculoskeletal system and related neural and vascular elements—in the context of family medicine practice. The book explains the clinical rationale for osteopathic manipulative treatment in specific situations and details procedures for treating common problems encountered in family medicine. Coverage begins with the philosophy and principles of osteopathic patient care. Two major sections focus on various patient populations and patients with various clinical conditions. A special section covers practice issues such as office set-up, progress notes, coding, and the standardized medical record.

"Osteopathy and other systems of manual medicine have developed a variety of models for understanding the mechanics of proper and improper motion of the musculoskeletal system. In this important and pioneering work, that same structural vision is applied to the visceral system. The central premise of 'Visceral Manipulation' is that the interrelationship of structure and function among the internal organs is at least as strong as that among the constituents of the musculoskeletal system; and that, like the musculoskeletal system, manipulation of the viscera can be beneficially used in the treatment of a wide variety of problems affecting any of the body's systems."--Publisher description.

Three distinct types of contractions perform colonic motility functions. Rhythmic phasic contractions (RPCs) cause slow net distal propulsion with extensive mixing/turning over. Infrequently occurring giant migrating contractions (GMCs) produce mass movements. Tonic contractions aid RPCs in their motor function. The spatiotemporal patterns of these contractions differ markedly. The amplitude and distance of propagation of a GMC are several-fold larger than those of an RPC. The enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells are the core regulators of all three types of contractions. The regulation of contractions by these mechanisms is modifiable by extrinsic factors: CNS, autonomic neurons, hormones, inflammatory mediators, and stress mediators. Only the GMCs produce descending inhibition, which accommodates the large bolus being propelled without increasing muscle tone. The strong compression of the colon wall generates afferent signals that are below nociceptive threshold in healthy subjects. However, these signals become nociceptive; if the amplitudes of GMCs increase, afferent nerves become hypersensitive, or descending inhibition is impaired. The GMCs also provide the force for rapid propulsion of feces and descending inhibition to relax the internal anal sphincter during defecation. The dysregulation of GMCs is a major factor in colonic motility disorders: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticular disease (DD). Frequent mass movements by GMCs cause diarrhea in diarrhea predominant IBS, IBD, and DD, while a decrease in the frequency of GMCs causes constipation. The GMCs generate the afferent signals for intermittent short-lived episodes of abdominal cramping in these disorders. Epigenetic dysregulation due to adverse events in early life is one of the major factors in generating the symptoms of IBS in adulthood.

This work demonstrates a novel approach to visceral osteopathy. Basing their ideas on anatomy and physiology, Jean-Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier propose manipulation of the arteries to treat the intestines and other internal organs by increasing their blood flow. The arteries, elastic and muscular in structure, and the innumerable nerve filaments which surround them, react ideally to manual treatment. To be effective, however, these manipulations must be specific and precise. Thanks to the authors' long experience as therapists, their mastery of osteopathic techniques and the aid of ultrasound technology, they have devised innovative techniques to improve the visceral vascular circulation. In this book the authors show the various sites of the principle pulses of the body and summarise the physiology of the circulation of the blood. The main organs and their physiology are addressed and include the heart, pancreas, small intestine, colon and other abdominal structures as well as the regions of the neck, skull and pelvic cavity. Rich in detailed, high quality illustrations, this book serves as both an anatomical reference and a guide to carrying out visceral vascular manipulations in the most effective way possible. The work is aimed at experienced osteopaths as well as those in training, and at other manual therapists who wish to widen their scope. - Offers practical and clinically relevant information to all practitioners and therapists working in the field - Abundant use of pull-out boxes, line artwork, photographs and tables facilitates ease of understanding - Prepared by experts of international renown - Covers treatment of the main organs including the heart, pancreas, small intestine, colon and other abdominal structures as well as the regions of the neck, skull and pelvic cavity - Serves as both an anatomical reference and a guide to carrying out visceral vascular manipulations in the most effective way possible - Suitable for osteopathic physicians and osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, manual therapists, physiotherapists, and massage therapists

Based on the premise that movement is essential for life and any restriction will affect our health, visceral manipulation starts with the core, the viscera (organs), and extends throughout the entire body to address pain, structural imbalances, tensions, and restrictions. The practitioner uses specifically placed manual pressure that promotes normal movement, tone, and internal movement of the organs, their supporting structures, fascia, nerves, and blood vessels. The ultimate goal is improved health by allowing the body to perform and move optimally. Illustrated with nearly 100 instructional photos and anatomy drawings, A Pathway to Health begins with general information about visceral manipulation, describing the method, goals, philosophy, and history of the practice. The book also explains the evaluation process and what a patient can expect to experience during and following a treatment session. Author Alison Harvey covers each major structure of the body including the organs, fascia, muscles, bones, and nerves, and discusses the causes of dysfunction. The second half of the book focuses on each system of the body, presenting physiological information and treatments as well as case studies. Harvey also explores emotional issues and their effects on the body and gives an authoritative summary of current research in the field.

Offering timely coverage of this complex field, Interventional Management of Chronic Visceral Pain Syndromes is a practical, evidence-based guide for the mechanisms, presentation, diagnosis, and treatments of chronic non-malignant and malignant abdominal pain syndromes. Experienced clinicians and academic leaders in pain medicine comprehensively discuss best-practice guidelines using the newest interventional techniques, including dorsal root ganglion stimulation, high frequency spinal cord stimulation, and low-dose intrathecal infusion pumps. Coverage includes malignant and non-malignant gastrointestinal pain, malignant and non-malignant pelvic pain in males and females, rectal pain, and chest pain. - Discusses key demographic characteristics as well as clinical and diagnostic presentations of the most common and esoteric visceral pain syndromes that will enable clinicians to identify pain generators. - Provides a truly systematic approach to the treatment of chronic visceral pain, including the use of pharmacologic, non-interventional, interventional, and multidisciplinary therapies with evidence-based data. - Covers the indications, contraindications, and outcomes results of the newest interventional treatments that all clinicians should be aware of, including neuromodulation and intrathecal pump therapy.

Covering the newest trends and treatments in pain care, as well as the pain treatment strategies that have been successfully employed in the past, Pain Care Essentials and Innovations brings you fully up to date with effective treatments for acute and chronic pain. It offers expert guidance on both interventional and non-interventional strategies, provided by respected academic physiatrists who practice evidence-based medicine at UCLA and an ACGME-accredited rehabilitation and pain program. - Covers cannabinoids in pain care, novel therapeutics in pain medicine, and integrative care in pain management. - Discusses relevant basic science, psychological aspects of pain care, opioids and practice guidelines, geriatric pain management, and future research in the field. - Consolidates today's available information and guidance into a single, convenient resource.

This text is divided into sections in order to present an osteopathic approach to dysfunction manifesting in a particular system pertinent to a common clinical presentation. The divisions are grouped by their common autonomic and lymphatic elements. The purpose of the book is to explore selected structural and functional consideration which may produce symptoms or compromise homeostasis. It also demonstrates, by example, clinical application of the osteopathic philosophy in selected situation. Lastly, it attempts to show where osteopathic manipulative treatments can be prescribed as primary or adjunctive modalities available to the DO as they assist patients in reaching their maximum health potential.