Pilot MRI Study on Osteopathic Manipulation for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

First, the patient will be positioned in the supine position. The physician or trained fellow will then place his/her hands on the medial border of the scapula on the affected side. From the paraspinal fascia to the medial border of the scapula a lateral traction is added along with a superior to inferior traction and additionally an inferior to superior traction. The shoulder will be used as an additional fulcrum by having the shoulder in the forward flexion position at 90 degrees and then adduction of the humerus to aid in addition movement of the scapula by moving the upper arm into adduction and abduction in a rhythmic motion. The treatment with a rhythmic and/or static traction in the motions described above and manual movement of the scapula will be done for a maximum of 15 minutes.