COMAT COMAT Musculoskeletal and OMM Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which OMT technique is most appropriate for a patient with acute muscle spasm who cannot tolerate direct techniques?
- HVLA
- Muscle energy
- Counterstrain (Correct answer)
- Articulatory technique
Correct answer: Counterstrain
Counterstrain is an indirect, passive technique ideal for acute spasm because it positions the patient away from the painful barrier to reduce muscle tension.
Question 2: The cervical spine type I (neutral) somatic dysfunction involves which combination of motion?
- Sidebending and rotation to opposite sides (Correct answer)
- Extension and rotation to same side
- Sidebending and rotation to same side
- Flexion only with no rotation
Correct answer: Sidebending and rotation to opposite sides
Type I (Fryette's Law I) mechanics in the cervical spine involve sidebending and rotation to opposite sides when the spine is in a neutral position.
Question 3: Which rib dysfunction presents with inhalation restriction — the rib moves up on inhalation but cannot descend fully on exhalation?
- Inhalation rib dysfunction (Correct answer)
- Exhalation rib dysfunction
- Elevated rib dysfunction
- Depressed rib dysfunction
Correct answer: Inhalation rib dysfunction
An inhalation rib dysfunction (elevated rib) is stuck in the inhalation position, restricting exhalation motion.
Question 4: Lymphatic pump techniques in OMT are used primarily to achieve which therapeutic goal?
- Increase arterial perfusion to limbs
- Enhance lymphatic and immune function (Correct answer)
- Correct cranial rhythm imbalances
- Reduce intervertebral disc pressure
Correct answer: Enhance lymphatic and immune function
Lymphatic pump techniques rhythmically compress the thorax or abdomen to enhance lymphatic flow and augment immune cell circulation.
Question 5: Which finding best indicates a posterior innominate (ilium on sacrum) on the right?
- Right ASIS superior and posterior, right leg longer
- Right ASIS inferior and anterior, right leg longer
- Right ASIS superior and posterior, right leg shorter (Correct answer)
- Right ASIS inferior, right medial malleolus superior
Correct answer: Right ASIS superior and posterior, right leg shorter
A posterior right innominate causes the right ASIS to move superiorly and posteriorly, and the right leg appears shorter due to posterior ilial rotation.
Question 6: Still technique is best categorized as which type of OMT approach?
- Pure indirect
- Pure direct
- Combined indirect-then-direct (Correct answer)
- Purely respiratory-based
Correct answer: Combined indirect-then-direct
Still technique begins with an indirect phase to disengage the tissue, then moves through the barrier directly, combining both approaches in sequence.
COMAT COMAT Musculoskeletal and OMM Techniques 2
Which OMT technique is most appropriate for a patient with acute muscle spasm who cannot tolerate direct techniques?