Somatic Dysfunctions

Impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic system: skeletal, arthrodial, myofascial structures, and related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements.

Key Features of Somatic Dysfunction

• TART findings:
  • Tenderness
  • Asymmetry (anatomical or functional)
  • Restriction of motion
  • Tissue texture changes

Types of Somatic Dysfunction

• Acute
  • Warm, moist skin
  • Erythema or redness
  • Boggy or edematous tissues
  • Sharp tenderness
  • Muscle hypertonicity/spasm
  • Restricted motion with a sudden “stop”
• Chronic
  • Cool, dry skin
  • Pale or dusky skin tone
  • Thin, fibrotic tissues
  • Dull or achy tenderness
  • Muscle contracture or weakness
  • Mild restriction, often with gradual onset

Common Somatic Dysfunction Terms

• Fryette’s Laws (apply mostly to thoracic and lumbar spine)
  • Law 1: In neutral position, sidebending and rotation occur to opposite sides (Type I)
  • Law 2: In flexion/extension, sidebending and rotation occur to the same side (Type II)
  • Law 3: Motion in one plane reduces motion in others

Somatic Dysfunction Patterns

• Type I (Neutral) Dysfunction
  • Involves groups of vertebrae
  • Neutral spine position (no significant flexion or extension)
  • Sidebending and rotation occur to opposite sides
  • Typically chronic or postural compensations
• Type II (Non-neutral) Dysfunction
  • Involves a single vertebral segment
  • Occurs in flexion or extension
  • Sidebending and rotation occur to the same side
  • Usually acute or traumatic

Diagnosis

• Perform a thorough motion test to identify:
  • Sidebending restriction
  • Rotation restriction
• Use palpation to assess:
  • Tenderness
  • Tissue texture changes
• Identify TART findings

Zink Compensatory Pattern