Introduction:
Loss of stability and persistent swelling in patients with subtalar joint injury occur very often. Diaphragm plays an important role in providing proprioceptive information and its proper function remains a key factor reducing swelling in the distal part of the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of diaphragm osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on postural control and swelling reduction.

Methods:
The study is a case report describing a 23-year-old male who injured his right subtalar joint during a football match. Before the therapy, a complex physical examination was performed: muscle strength and range of motion of lower limbs evaluation, initial testing of postural control, and the level of swelling determination with the figure-of-eight method. After extensive diagnosis, two OMT techniques were used: doming the diaphragm technique and thoracic pump with respiratory assist technique. Subsequently, the second static stability test and figure-of-eight method were applied.

Results:
The length of the centre of pressure (COP) path with eyes opened decreased by 15%, and with eyes closed by 45%. The surface area circled by the COP path with eyes open decreased by 22%, and with eyes closed by 68%. There was no immediate change in swelling.

Conclusions:
The study confirmed the efficacy of diaphragm OMT in improving postural control. Screening for diaphragm dysfunction should be part of complete osteopathic assessment in subtalar joint injury.