Class 2 Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is Myofascial tone; aka resting skeletal muscle tone (MRT)?
Is passive tonus or tension of skeletal muscle that derives from its intrinsic (EMG-silent) molecular viscoelastic properties. Its intrinsic viscoelastic tension exhibited within body’s kinematic chains. Functions inseparably from fascial tissues & ligamentous structures & is part of networks of tensional tissues.
What is Electromyography (EMG)?
A diagnostic tool for evaluating and electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles
What is passive tension?
The CNS-independent component resulting from intrinsic molecular interactions of actin & myosin filaments in sarcomeric units of skeletal muscle & myofibroblast cells
In other words, it is NOT active tone.
What is Postural Tone?
The vital low-level, passive tension, & resistance to stretch that contributes importantly to maintain postural stability in balanced equilibrium positions. Co contraction of muscle is an active neuromotor control that provides greater levels of tonus for increased stabilization.
Important for therapists to note that normal passive muscle tone helps to maintain ____________________________.
relaxed standing body posture with minimally increased energy costs and often for prolonged durations without fatigue
What is Conceptual Framework for Muscle Tension?
Therapists can see it as firmness to palpation at rest observed in muscles with normal innervation or perceived texture of muscle during palpation. Tension often varies greatly from person to person, muscle to muscle, & in an individual muscle depending on an individual’s state of mental or physical health. Changes in MRT may relate to patient’s level of pain/discomfort, impairments, level of function. Massage can produce rapid changes in MRT.
During Examination and Assessment of Muscle Resting Tension Examination Findings are Confirmed by…
Palpation:
•MRT can be thought of as firmness to palpation at rest observed in muscles with normal innervation and or perceived texture of muscle during palpation.
Range of motion (ROM):
• Findings will show increased or decreased movement. It may also show change in expected function of structure.
Visual observation:
• Will include changes in contour & bulk & holding patterns of structure.
When assessing MRT with palpation therapist generally palpates vertically in to tissue at various depths & makes judgement on quality of tissue…
•Stiffness/firmness-degree of resistance when palpating tissue
• Deformability-Change of shape of tissue or structure when it’s subjected to pressure
• Density: Degree of compactness of substance
• Mass: Property of matter that measures its resistance to acceleration. Measured in kilograms
• Volume: Amount of space occupied by an object measured in three dimensions.
• Changing muscle’s position from shortened to lengthened results in increased fluid pressure within muscle, which changes feel, (tone), of muscle
MRT is influenced by a complex interaction between _________________________________ and ____________________________.
•biomechanical contributors such as, connective tissue components, water
• contractile contributors such as, Unnecessary MRT, Trigger Points & Spasm. Alter therapist’s perception of what is being palpated.
