We talked about the practical; now let's take a look at the exam.

You've had one OMM exam, so you have a good idea what to expect. A lot of the information will be visual and related to the practical; other stuff will come directly out of the notes. I'd make sure to focus on the following:

1) Know your glides very well. Know how you accomplish these glides. This is information you should NOT have to memorize -- you're bringing the "key" (you!) into the exam with you. Be able to talk through it, and act out the glides on yourself. As you retract the shoulder, what happens at the SC joint? It's ok to palpate as you take the test! It entertains the proctors. Just don't make your "autopalpation" too distracting to those around you...

2) Know how you would set up an indirect technique for any possible glide using the above info.

3) Know the normal range of motion in degrees for a joint any time they are given in the notes. These are some of the most frequently missed questions.

4) Go over all of the techniques you learned in lab -- not just the ones you liked for the practical! Don't forget counterstrain. A full list should be available on your syllabus. Again, don't memorize - these will be second nature if you know your glides. The only exception might be the order for Spencer.

5) Be able to define and differentiate all of the soft tissue techniques.

6) Some of the anatomy you knew for Tuesday will come up again as it overlaps with your OMM notes.

7) The initial set-up for any muscle energy technique will be opposite your diagnosis. Your patient's voluntary force will be the same as their diagnosis. Indirects are always the same as the diagnosis.

8) Smile. It's almost Friday.

If I think of anything else, I'll post it in the comments below after the meeting I'm running off to.....

Good luck!
Jonathan