Table 1.

Common OMT Techniques for the Management of Chronic Pain.¹⁷

Technique Name	Description	Indication
High-velocity/low amplitude thrust	Rapid force of brief duration traveling a short distance, applied into a restrictive barrier.	Somatic dysfunction of an articulation.
Muscle energy	Patient’s muscles are activated upon request, from a precisely controlled position, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed physician counterforce.	Somatic dysfunction of a myofascial structure.
Direct myofascial release	Dysfunctional myofascial tissues are loaded and a restrictive barrier is engaged with a constant force.	Somatic dysfunction of a myofascial structure.
Indirect myofascial release	Dysfunctional myofascial tissues are loaded and guided toward the position of greatest ease.	Somatic dysfunction of a myofascial structure.
Counterstrain	Specific positioning about a tender point intended to induce spontaneous release.	Presence of a tender point (small, hypersensitive point in myofascial tissue that does not have a pattern of pain radiation)
Cranial treatment	Techniques applied to the cranial bones intended to address dysfunction of the primary respiratory mechanism.	Somatic dysfunction of the primary respiratory mechanism.
Visceral manipulation	Techniques directed to the viscera or their supportive structures	Impaired mobility or motility of a visceral system and its related elements.