What are the essential steps of the Still technique in OMM?

• A. Identify tender or restricted area; position the patient in a position of ease; hold until tissue tension dissipates; return slowly to neutral.
• B. Position patient in a position of ease; identify tender area; hold until tissue tension dissipates; return slowly to neutral.
• C. Identify tender or restricted area; position the patient in a position of ease; hold until tissue tension dissipates; return slowly to neutral.
• D. Hold until tissue tension dissipates; identify tender area; return to neutral; position patient.

Answer: (C)

Still technique uses an indirect, gentle approach: you first identify the tender or restricted area, then place the patient in a position of ease for that area, hold until the tissue tension dissipates, and finally return slowly to neutral. This sequence lets the body's fascia and muscles relax without forcing the tissue. The identification step is essential because you’re targeting the exact point of dysfunction. Positioning in ease reduces abnormal muscle tone and fascial tension, and holding until the release is felt confirms the dysfunction has softened. Returning to neutral slowly avoids re-tensing the tissues and helps maintain the new, freer state. In short: find the tender/restricted area, move to ease, hold until relaxation, then return to neutral.