Somatic dysfunction is defined as “impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system: skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures, and related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements.” (Ward, 2003).
The osteopathic model of somatic dysfunction, that attempts to make sense of such a finding, has been summarized by the acronym STAR (Dowling, 1998).
This includes:
“S” = sensitivity (abnormal tenderness)
“T” = tissue texture change such as altered tone, laxity etc.
“A” = asymmetry (malalignment)
“R” = range of motion and pliability reduction (e.g. contracture)
The STAR designation offers no diagnosis - only an observation that all may not be well in the tissues being evaluated, demanding further investigation as to causal, aggravating and maintaining features whether local, global or distant.
Sliding, gliding functions as part of the “R” feature of somatic function and dysfunction!
Chaitow L. Somatic dysfunction and fascia's gliding-potential. J Bodywork Movement Ther 2014 01;18(1):1-3.