COMLEX USA Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination Practice 2025 - Free COMLEX Practice Questions and Study Guide

Direct techniques involve movement toward the restrictive barrier, which is the limit of motion or the area where contributing dysfunction is found. In this context, direct techniques are used to treat somatic dysfunction by engaging the barrier directly and applying force in the direction of the restriction.

For example, when using a direct technique in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), the physician might move the patient's body in a way that stretches or compresses the tissues toward the point of restriction, thus facilitating the body's inherent ability to correct the dysfunction. This can include methods such as muscle energy, myofascial release, or high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust techniques.

The other options represent different approaches. Indirect techniques, in contrast, would involve moving away from the restrictive barrier, allowing the body to relax and encourage healing by reducing tension. Passive techniques rely on the physician's movements while the patient remains passive, which does not necessitate moving toward the barrier. Active techniques require the patient to actively engage their muscles and may involve moving towards or away from the restrictive barrier depending on the specific technique being utilized.

Thus, the primary characteristic of direct techniques is their engagement with the restrictive barrier, making this the correct answer.