Functional and Indirect Techniques

One of the most important basic elements of Traditional Osteopathy is the barrier concept.  When there is a joint dysfunction there is a restrictive barrier to motion that interferes with physiologic motion.  Any manipulative technique that begins by localizing treatment forces toward this restrictive barrier is considered a direct technique, and if away it’s considered an indirect technique.  Most manipulative techniques utilized by Dr. Kavieff are indirect.  Dr. Kavieff was influenced by working with William Johnston, D.O., who wrote a book with Harry Friedman, D.O. “Functional Methods” and Lon Hoover, D.O., whose father, Harold was the first to use the term Functional Unwinding.  He also noted that the many mentors that he worked with who worked into their 80’s and beyond mainly used such techniques that were easier on both their and their patient’s bodies.  By localizing treatment forces away from the restrictive barrier, the inherent correcting forces in the patient’s body are mobilized, and the dysfunction seems to melt away.  For this to happen the practitioner must listen to the tissue response to movement and find a place in 3-dimensional space where all the forces in the area are balanced in a place of maximal ease.  Most patients find these techniques very relaxing, and Dr. Kavieff has found that they often result in more lasting changes than direct techniques like high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) which result in popping sounds.