What is the orientation of the strain axes in lateral strain?

In the context of cranial osteopathy, lateral strains are characterized by an alteration in the orientation of the strain axes. Specifically, lateral strain involves two parallel vertical axes. This means that the bones of the cranium shift in a lateral or side-to-side direction while maintaining their orientation along these vertical axes.

In lateral strain, the maxillae and the sphenoid, for instance, may undergo movement that alters their position, but not their alignment in relation to the vertical axis. This results in a strain that is effectively managed by recognizing these two parallel vertical axes which serve as points around which the motion occurs.

Understanding this concept is critical for practitioners as it directly relates to palpatory diagnosis and treatment strategies. The presence of parallel vertical axes helps in developing appropriate therapeutic interventions to restore balance and function in the cranial system.