The osteopath moves the dysfunctional tissues away from the restrictive barrier (a functional limit that abnormally diminishes the normal physiologic range of motion) until tissue tension is equal in one or all planes and directions.
According to Dr. Sutherland’s model, all the joints in the body are balanced ligamentous articular mechanisms. To release articular strain, the osteopath seeks to position the bones of a joint at the point of balanced ligamentous tension.
The osteopath uses balanced membranous tension techniques to normalize the articular dysfunctions of the cranium, face, and sacrum that involves the dura mater. The goal of treatment is to position the bones making up the articulation at the point of balanced membranous tension.