Osteopathy for the Over 50s

Although textbooks on the subject of Osteopathy have been in print for over 100 years,
there is little material specifically addressing the treatment of adults over the age of 50,
in spite of the increase in this demographic group.
This book is intended to provide a study of the biomechanics and physiology of somatic
dysfunction as it relates to individuals over the age of 50.
Practitioners require information about the diagnosis of somatic dysfunction
and application of osteopathic manipulative treatment specifically as it relates to this age group –
and this is where this book is invaluable.
The main body of the text considers the relevance of somatic function and dysfunction
in multiple clinical areas including cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, urology, neurology and rheumatology.
The diagnostic approach to the patient over the age of 50 and osteopathic manipulative
treatment is thoroughly described. This book provides information on the biomechanics and
physiology of somatic dysfunction for the osteopathic treatment of older adults in a thorough,
yet easy to approach, fashion for practitioners of osteopathy and osteopathic medicine.

Table of Contents:
Section 1: Osteopathy, fascia, fluid, and the primary respiratory mechanism
Fascia
The primary respiratory mechanism
Section 2: Osteopathic assessment
Somatic dysfunction
Diagnosis of somatic dysfunction
History
Physical examination
Section 3: Treatment of the patient
Osteopathic treatment
Procedures
Lower extremity procedures
Pelvic procedures
Lumbar procedures
Lumbopelvic muscular procedures
Thoracic procedures
Thoracoabdominal diaphragm procedures
Cervical procedures
Upper extremity procedures
Wrist and hand procedures
Visceral procedures
Cranial procedures
Vault procedures
Ocular procedures
Procedures to modulate the primary respiratory mechanism
Section 4: Clinical considerations
1. Musculoskeletal dysfunctions
Part 1: Axial system
The vertebral column
Spinal motions
Vertebral somatic dysfunction
Changes with aging
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
Part 2: Appendicular system
Degenerative arthritis: osteoarthritis of the hip and knee
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
Overuse syndromes: rotator cuff syndrome
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
Entrapment syndromes: carpal tunnel syndrome
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
Conclusion
2. Postural imbalance
The vestibular sensory system
The visual sensory system
The somatosensory/proprioceptive sensory system
Age-related changes
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
3. Cardiovascular dysfunctions
Hypertension
Congestive heart failure
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
4. Respiratory dysfunctions
Lungs
Age-related changes
Obstructive pulmonary disease
Pneumonia
Obstructive sleep apnea
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
5. Gastrointestinal dysfunctions
Dysphagia
Gastroesophageal reflux
Hiatal hernia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Constipation
Visceroptosis
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment – Advice to the patient
6. Urogenital dysfunctions
Pelvic floor disorders
Benign prostate disorders
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
7. Autonomic dysfunctions
Organization and components
Functions of the autonomic nervous system
Dysautonomia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Sleep disorders
Influence of the autonomic nervous system on menopause
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient
8. Auditory and visual dysfunctions
Auditory dysfunctions
Visual dysfunctions
The osteopathic contribution to the physical examination and treatment
Advice to the patient.