Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Efficacy in Postoperative Pain

The thoracic wall is gently manipulated in conscious subjects in a supine position in order to facilitate greater diaphragmatic excursion. The thorax is palpated by applying a low pressure load directly on the skin in the direction of resistance, without any sliding over the skin or forcing of the subcutaneous tissue until it begins to yield and there is a sensation of softening. Sterile procedures are used when touching the patients near the surgical site. The treatment consists of a fixed and preordained sequence of three sessions, beginning with the costal arch on the diaphragm and then moving to the sternal area and, finally, the region of the thoracic outlet. The first two phases are performed from the right side, and the third from the head of the bed.