Which statement best describes the physiologic barrier?

• A. It is the functional limit of active, voluntary motion
• B. It is the anatomic limit of motion due to structure
• C. It is the elastic limit of tissues
• D. It is not a concept in OMT

Answer: (D)

Physiologic barrier is the functional limit of active, voluntary motion. It marks the point you can reach with your own muscle effort; beyond this, further movement requires passive forces or external help, and the joint can still be moved up to the anatomic barrier. The anatomic barrier is the structural limit of motion dictated by bones and joint structures. The elastic barrier refers to the soft tissues’ elastic resistance that you feel as you push toward the end of the elastic range, before hitting the anatomic barrier. This is a standard concept in OMT, not something absent from practice.