Osteopathic Respiration.

In observing the patient, the physician should note the full extent of respiration. Subtle respiration may be sensed all the way from the clavicles to the pubes in a healthy patient; anything less than this is dysfunctional and is later addressed in treatment.

The osteopathic approach to functional anatomy identifies several diaphragms, including, but not limited to, the tentorium cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, fascial-muscular aspect of the thoracic inlet, the diaphragm proper at the thoracic outlet, and the pelvic diaphragm. Any asynchronous functioning of these structures is noted.