Glossary

Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands are a pair of ductless glands situated above the kidneys. They secrete norepinephrine, epinephrine, and corticosteroids. Adrenal Fatigue refers to a state of depletion of the adrenal glands. This condition, which is associated with chronic stress, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms, is generally not recognized by conventional physicians.

Allopathic

al??pa?ik, adjective, derivative of Allopathy: allopathy |??läp???, noun. The treatment of disease by conventional means, i.e., with drugs having opposite effects to the symptoms. The practice of conventional medicine that uses pharmacologically active agents or physical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms of pathophysiologic processes of diseases or conditions. It was coined by Samual Hahnemann, a homeopath, in 1810. Allopathic medicine often refers to the broad category of medical prMaactice that is sometimes called Western medicine, evidence based medicine or modern medicine.

Arthrodial system

Noun, the Arthrodial system relates to joints, a part of the musculoskeletal system or body framework.

Autonomic Nervous System

Noun, the part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes. Often referred to as the controller of the responses “fight or flight” and “rest and digest” which are the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. Understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the branches of the autonomic nervous system sheds light on most disease processes and treatment options. This link gives significantly more detail about the autonomic nervous system.

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement

Refers to the use of hormones that are identical on a molecular level with endogenous hormones (hormones made within the body) as distinct from the use of hormones that have a different structure than those produced endogenously. Bio-identical Hormones may or may not be FDA approved but always require a prescription. Though the molecular structure is identical to endogenously produced hormones, the term bio identical is not equivalent to natural or plant based hormones. Both synthetic and plant based or natural hormones may have a molecular structure that is different from hormones produced in the body. Generally bio-identical hormones are compounded from yam or soy but have been changed through a synthetic process.

Biodynamic Model of Osteopathy

Model of Osteopathy developed by James Jealous D.O., which uses classical osteopathic principles from the founder of Osteopathy, A.T. Still, to explore the relationship between innate health and embryologic patterns of development, present in children and adults as palpable movement patterns of regeneration and healing.
This is described in more detail on this website but here is another link to a website with a nice description of Biodynamic Osteopathy: http://osteopathichealthcareofmaine.com/osteopathy/biodynamics-of-osteopathy

Biomechanical model of Osteopathy

Principles and techniques based on the idea that the human body can be approached as a mechanical system. From this assumption, mechanical principles are applied to the study, diagnosis and treatment of the human form. Biomechanics are mechanical principles applied to the study of biological functions; the application of mechanical laws to living structures; the study and knowledge of biological function from an application of mechanical principles.

Body-Mind Centering

Body-Mind Centering® (BMCtm) is an integrated approach to transformative experience through movement re-education and hands-on repatterning. Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, it is an experiential study based on the embodiment and application of anatomical, physiological, psychophysical and developmental principles, utilizing movement, touch, voice and mind. This study leads to an understanding of how the mind is expressed through the body and the body through the mind.

Bursae bursa

Noun ( pl. -sae |-s?| or -sas ) Anatomy. A fluid-filled sac or saclike cavity, esp. one countering friction at a joint.

Bursitis bursitis

Noun Medicine. Inflammation of a bursa, typically one in the knee, elbow or shoulder.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Noun Anatomy, Clear watery fluid that fills the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater.

Chiropractor: chiropractic

Noun. A system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, esp. those of the spinal column, which are held to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs.
DERIVATIVES
chiropractor, noun
ORIGIN late 19th cent.: from chiro- [hand] + Greek praktikos ‘practical,’ from prattein ‘do.’

Circulatory system

Noun Biology. The system that circulates blood and lymph through the body, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, blood, lymph, and the lymphatic vessels and glands. Also called cardiovascular system .

Compression of the Fourth Ventricle ( CV4)

A cranial technique in which the lateral angles of the occipital squama are manually approximated slightly exaggerating the posterior convexity of the Occiput and taking the cranium into sustained extension.

Connective Tissue

Noun Anatomy. Tissue that connects, supports, binds, or separates other tissues or organs, typically having relatively few cells embedded in an amorphous matrix, often with collagen or other fibers, and including cartilaginous, fatty, and elastic tissues.
The magic of connective tissue is that it illuminates the pathways through which each part is not separate. Just as an artist draws the spaces between objects, the osteopath is trained to travel the connections between structures in the journey from disease to health. These connections are most easily found through the many types of connective tissue in the body.

Cranio-Sacral Mechanism

A term used to refer to the anatomical connection between the occiput and the sacrum by the spinal dura mater.
A term coined by William G. Sutherland, DO.: Expansion and contraction, which occurs between the articulations in the cranium and sacrum and the inherent fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid.
A system which includes the bones, membranes fluid and tissue which make up the cranium, the sacrum, the membranes around the brain and spinal cord ( meninges), the cerebrospinal fluid and the movement of all of these structures.

Diagnosis and treatment of this system is the basis of the branch of osteopathy described as Cranial Osteopathy. Some describe the movement of the bones as initiating the movement of the fluid, others the opposite. Others speak of the motility of the brain and spinal cord being the inherent movement which is reflected in the fluid and bones and membranes and finally the somewhat mysterious term “primary respiration” is sometimes used to describe the motive force of this system.

Cranium Anatomy

noun. Refers to the bones of the skull – especially the part enclosing the brain. Technically does not include the facial bones ( bones of the face).

Diabetes

A chronic disorder of the endocrine system in which blood sugar is dysregulated. The more serious and common consequences of this chronic disease are not directly related to the levels of sugar in the bloodstream (although serious neurologic complications can occur from too high or too low blood sugar). These complications include cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke, constant pain in the extremities, serious infections which can lead to amputation, kidney failure, blindness, and death.

Digestive system

The parts of the body involved in digesting or processing food. Includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon and anus. Essentially an open tube. On a cellular and physiologic level the hormones and chemicals and specialized cell structures involved in digestion are complex and fascinating. Much of the lymphatic system (part of our immunity) is located in the digestive system. Neurotransmitters involved in mood are secreted in the digestive system as well as the brain. Absorption of nutrients is dependent on tiny channels and microscopic fingerlike projections and cell to cell communications.

Direct technique

Also called direct method (D/DIR), an osteopathic treatment strategy by which the restrictive barrier is engaged and a final activating force is applied to correct somatic dysfunction.

Dynamic Stillness

A term from Dr. James Jealous’ model of osteopathy, Biodynamic Osteopathy. Referring to a state of being; a diagnostic and therapeutic space that can be experienced during a biodynamic treatment, in which we can be healed.

Endocrine (Endocrine, gland, Endocrine system)

The Endocrine system includes glands, blood vessels and nerves which supply the glands, and hormones which are the chemical substances secreted by the glands.
The hormones carry information to specific but wide reaching parts of the body and direct or are involved with a large number of varied processes such as metabolism, growth, libido, temperature management, production of sweat and other fluids, and many more.
Some of the glands of the endocrine system include the thyroid, the adrenal glands, the pituitary, the ovaries and testes, and the pancreas.
The term endocrine generally refers to a gland which secretes it’s hormones directly into the blood stream rather than into a duct and as a result the effects tend to be more broad, with many more target cells than other types of glands such as autocrine and paracrine glands.

Enteric Nervous system

A division of the autonomic nervous system that directly controls the gastrointestinal ( digestive) system. Interestingly though it receives innervations from the autonomic nervous system it also operates independently of the brain and spinal cord.
Interestingly there are actually more neurons ( cells) in the enteric nervous system than in the entire spinal cord. Some of these cells control secretion of acetylcholine, dopamine and serotonin (neurotransmitters identical to those produced by the central nervous system or brain). In fact, more than 90% of the body’s serotonin and about 50% of the body’s dopamine is found in the enteric nervous system.
These two chemicals are critically important in mood and sensations of pleasure and the basis of many drugs used to treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety as well as conditions of pain.

Estrogen

( Brit. oestrogen) noun. Any of a group of steroid hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body. Such hormones are also produced artificially for use in oral contraceptives or to treat menopausal and menstrual disorders.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid outside of cells, includes fluid between cells ( interstitial fluid) and fluid within blood and lymphatic vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Fascial system

Fascia is sheets or bands of fibrous connective tissue which envelope and connect muscles organs and most structures of the body.
Depending on the location of the fascia it has different names, for example, fascia between the thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine is called thoracolumbarfascia. Fascia surrounding the psoas muscle is called psoas sheath. Fascia surrounding bones is called periosteum. This part the connective tissue system connects every structure in the body. As the fluid surrounds and is part of every structure, so does the fascia.

Functional Model of Osteopathy

An indirect treatment approach that involves finding the dynamic balance point and one of the following:

Applying an indirect guiding force
Holding the position
Adding compression to exaggerate position and allow for spontaneous readjustment.

The osteopathic practitioner guides the manipulative procedure while the dysfunctional area is being palpated in order to obtain a continuous feedback of the physiologic response to induced motion. The osteopathic practitioner guides the dysfunctional part so as to create a decreasing sense of tissue resistance (increased compliance).

High Velocity Low amplitude

An osteopathic technique employing a rapid, therapeutic force of brief duration that travels a short distance within the anatomic range of motion of a joint, and that engages the restrictive barrier in one or more planes of motion to elicit release of restriction. Also known as thrust technique.

Hormones

Noun Physiology. A regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
a synthetic substance with a similar effect.
( hormones) a person's sex hormones as held to influence behavior or mood.

Indirect technique

Indirect method (I/IND), manipulative technique where the restrictive barrier is disengaged and the dysfunctional body part is moved away from the restrictive barrier until tissue tension is equal in one or all planes and directions.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance: The diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscle and other tissues. Usually insulin resistance is considered a precursor to the onset of type 2 Diabetes however if it is recognized early it can be reversed with a variety of treatments, the most important of which is dietary modifications. Insulin resistance can also be a sign of other metabolic or digestive imbalances including weight gain and excess estrogen production.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid located inside the cells of the body. Constitutes about 30-40% of the body weight.

Ligament

Noun Anatomy. A short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.
A membranous fold that supports an organ and keeps it in position.
Any similar connecting or binding structure.
Archaic a bond of union.

Lumbar vertebrae

Lumbar |?l?mb?r; -?bär|, adjective. Relating to the lower part of the back : backache in the lumbar region.

vertebra, noun ( pl. -brae). Each of the series of small bones forming the backbone, having several projections for articulation and muscle attachment, and a hole through which the spinal cord passes.
In the human spine (or vertebral column) there are seven cervical vertebrae (in the neck), twelve thoracic vertebrae (to which the ribs are attached), and five lumbar vertebrae (in the lower back). In addition, five fused vertebrae form the sacrum, and four the coccyx.

Lymphatic (Fluid, System)

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It is made up mainly of lymph vessels, lymph nodes (collection of tissue and cells involved in clearing infections) and lymphatic fluid. Lymph vessels, which are different from blood vessels, carry fluid called lymph or lymphatic fluid throughout your body. Lymph contains white blood cells that defend you against germs. Throughout the vessels are lymph nodes. Along with your spleen these nodes are where white blood cells fight infection. Your bone marrow and thymus produce the cells in lymph. They are part of the system, too.
The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps your body fluids in balance.
As with all systems in the body it is impossible to fully separate one from another. The fluid that moves through lymphatic vessels comes from blood vessels and extracellular fluid, what makes it lymphatic fluid is the cellular components and the location in lymphatic vessels. Fluid balance is also managed by kidneys and electrolyte balance. The lymphatic system can be considered to be a major part of the immune system.

Manual Manipulative Medicine Treatments

This term is described in multiple ways depending on the type of practitioner defining it. In general any treatment done with the practitioner putting their hands on the patient can be considered manual manipulation. Because an Osteopathic Physician is trained in the practice of medicine the word medicine is often included to further define the type of hands on treatment done by an osteopath. Insurance companies refer to the type of hands on work done by an osteopathic physician as a procedure ( like injecting steroids or suturing a wound). Body work is also considered manual manipulative treatment as is chiropractic adjustment. The types of treatments, the amount of force involved, the intention behind the treatment, and the effect are as varied as the number of health practitioners treating with their hands.
An Osteopathic Manipulation is described in more detail on this website but it too can have many forms and can resemble many other types of bodywork. For more information about treatments please view the rest of the website or contact our office.

Musculoskeletal system

Also called the locomotor system; includes muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and bones and the nerves and blood vessels that supply them. These structures are involved in both voluntary and involuntary movement as well as providing the structural framework which serves as a protective housing for the visceral and nervous components of the body.

Nervous system noun

The network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body. See also autonomic nervous system. This network of cells controls all functions in the body through different means such as secreting electrical and chemical signalers.
The Nervous system is divided into the central and peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system includes both the voluntary nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

Neuro-chemical signaling

Type of signaling that happens when a nerve cell ( neuron) secretes a chemical (hormone) to a target cell.

Neuro-electric signaling

Type of signaling that happens when a nerve cell membrane uses voltage changes to transmit information to a target cell

Neuro-Endocrine- Immune system

A description of specialized structures in the body including nerve cells which communicate via secretion of endocrine hormones or communicate to non nerve cells which secrete hormones and affect the immune or healing system of the body.
The part of the brain called the hypothalamus controls secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland which in turn affects various endocrine organs. Cells of the immune system in turn contain receptors for neuroendocrine hormones and can also beconsidered a source of pituitary and hypothylamic peptides. In turn cells of the neuroendocrine system contain receptors for materials created by the immune system and involved in healing, such as cytokines.
Essentially a concept to begin to understand the links between these important functional systems in the body.

Neutral state

W.G. Sutherland and A.T. Still used mechanical terms to describe Osteopathic concepts. When W.G. Sutherland first used this term the reference was similar to that of the state of neutral in a car – a state from which the vehicle is free to shift in any direction.
It is from this root that the use of the word neutral came into the biodynamic model and this meaning still holds – a place from which the body is free to shift, to heal, to move. In addition, neutral can be considered a fulcrum, a critical state to health in and of itself, it is also the balance point between the parasympathetic and autonomic nervous systems, within each articulation in the body and between states of consciousness. Achieving a neutral can be the beginning of a biodynamic treatment or it can be the end point. In this state of rest the innate healing forces are free to reach full potency.

Ortho-Bionomy

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive, system of healing that reminds the body of its natural ability to restore balance. It is based on a simple and profound philosophy: allow the body to correct itself. The hallmark of Ortho-Bionomy is pain relief. The founder, was a British-trained Osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls,

Primary Respiration

This term is defined in many ways but it comes from W.G. Sutherland’s original description of the cranial mechanism. This description is from the Osteopathic Cranial Academy. He named this collection of findings the Primary Respiratory Mechanism: Primary - It is a system that comes “first.” It underlies all of life's processes and gives dynamism, form and substance to all of anatomy and physiology, driving all functions of the body.
Respiratory - It is the spark that gives rise to the breath as it moves through the tissues. It is the foundation of metabolism. It enables the exchange of gases and other substances between compartments of the body.
Mechanism - It manifests as a specific motion of the body, a system composed of many parts that work together to create a whole, greater than the sum of the parts.

This Primary Respiratory Mechanism has five basic components:

The inherent rhythmic motion of the brain and spinal cord.
The fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.
The shifting tensions of the membranous envelope (dura mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This entire membranous structure acts as a unit and is called a “Reciprocal Tension Membrane.”
The inherent rhythmic motion of the cranial bones.
The involuntary motion of the sacrum (tailbone) between the ilia (hip bones).

As the lungs breathe and the heart beats with a rhythmic alternating expansion and contraction, the central nervous system (CNS) also has its own involuntary rhythmic motion. Dr. Sutherland described this inherent activity of the CNS as a respiratory motion with “inhalation” and “exhalation” phases.
The hands of a skilled osteopathic physician connect directly with the primary respiratory mechanism to bring about a therapeutic response.
Primary respiration is the guiding principle; it is the inherent intelligence within.
This Primary Respiratory Motion actually expresses itself through every cell of the body, influencing all body functions.
Physicians trained in Cranial Osteopathy can place their hands on any part of the patient to perceive and influence this important mechanism.
Cranial Osteopathy is the study of anatomy and physiology of the cranium and its inter-relationship with the body as a whole. It may be applied for the prevention and treatment of disease and enhancement of health, within the practice of the science of osteopathy.

Somatic

Adjective. Of or relating to the body, esp. as distinct from the mind. Often used to describe an experience that is perceived in the body. As in< Biology of or relating to the soma.

Spinal Meningitis

Noun. Inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial infection and marked by intense headache and fever, sensitivity to light, and muscular rigidity, leading (in severe cases) to convulsions, delirium, and death.

Subluxed – derivative of subluxation

Noun Medicine. A partial dislocation.
A slight misalignment of the vertebrae, regarded in chiropractic theory as the cause of many health problems.

Thoracic Respiration

Noun. Biologic process involving movement of musculoskeletal, visceral and nervous system tissue in a physiologic process which is most simply described as exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The movement of the thoracic diaphragm has deep connections to the health of the entire organism. The musculoskeletal and fascial, lymphatic and visceral connections of the diaphragm (the primary muscle involved in breathing) are complex and allow for diagnosis and treatment of multiple conditions.
Breathing is the most basic function of the thoracic respiratory system and yet this basic function is the foundation of entire systems of relaxation, meditation, exercise, rehabilitation, healing modalities and more. It is a truly profound experience to study thoracic respiration.

Transmitters

In the context of this website refers to Neurotransmitters: Noun Physiology. A chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.

Visceral system

Derived from the noun viscera plural noun ( sing. viscus ). Relating to all of the parts of the body that are connected to the viscera. This includes nerves and blood vessels which supply the viscera as well as the connective tissue surrounding the viscera.
Viscera is defind as the internal organs in the main cavities of the body, esp. those in the abdomen, e.g., the intestines.

Voluntary Nervous system

The Nervous system is divided into the central and peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system includes both the voluntary nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
The division of the nervous system into central and peripheral is essentially based on location within the human frame.
The division between the parts of the peripheral nervous system into voluntary (also called somatic) and autonomic is essentially based on function.
The voluntary nervous system primarily controls movements which are voluntary, such as large muscle contraction and relaxation which allow us to run, pick things up, deepen our inhalation, and other movements. This system, which includes 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves allows us to react consciously to our environment through the use of skeletal muscles.

Two External Glossary Resources

Glossary of Osteopathic Terminology, (Note; you can download this pdf at no charge).
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Thesaurus