Which of the following is NOT a common osteopathic treatment modality in OMM?

• A. HVLA
• B. Ultrasound therapy
• C. Counterstrain
• D. Cranial Osteopathy

Answer: (B)

In OMM, the emphasis is on hands-on techniques that directly address somatic dysfunction. Classic osteopathic modalities are manual and diagnostic tools used to restore joint mobility, normalize fascia, and rebalance the body's mechanics—techniques like HVLA, which uses a quick thrust to improve motion; counterstrain, which relaxes tender muscles by positioning; and cranial osteopathy, which works with subtle rhythmic motions of the skull to influence physiological function. Ultrasound therapy, by contrast, is a passive physical therapy modality that delivers acoustic energy to tissues to generate heat and promote healing, not a manual maneuver used to correct somatic dysfunction. While some clinicians may employ ultrasound as an adjunct in broader rehabilitation, it is not a typical osteopathic manipulative technique and therefore not considered a common OMM modality.