OMT Technique: Cervical Soft Tissue

Source: ACOFP website http://www.acofp.org/member_publications/print/0904_1_6.html

Dysfunction: Cervical soft tissue tension.

Objective: To decrease cervical tissue tension.Patient

Position: Supine.Physician Position: Seated at the head of the table.

Procedure:

• Start at C7 and work your way up.
• Place the pads of your fingers over the cervical paraspinal tissues bilaterally.
• With both hands, apply an anterior and superior pressure until you sense the stretch of the cervical paraspinal muscles.
• Hold this position until you feel the inherent release, then slowly release your force, being careful to not allow the muscles to "snap back.”
• Repeat the procedure several times working up and down the cervical spine, until you palpate a decrease in tissue tension.