Soft Tissue Release Flashcards
Why do we use STR?
- Reduced pain.
- Increase flexibility.
- Alters movement patterns.
- Help with tissue desensitisation.
What are the benefits of hands-on contact?
- Increase feelings of affinity with another person.
- Increase positive feelings.
- Increase oxytocin.
- Reduce cortisol.
- Reduce heart rate & blood pressure.
- Improve bonds between patient and therapist (which can translate into a patient’s greater engagement in treatment plans).
- Has perceptions of increased care.
- Increases the treatment affect compared to hands off treatment.
What are the barriers to hands on treatment?
- Clothing
- Mild anxiety / apprehension
- Touch aversion
- Religion or beliefs
- Pain
What are the contraindications & precautions of STR?
- Very acute soft tissue injuries: Sprains, tears and contusions (can lead to Myositis Ossificans)
- Infections
- DVT
- Broken skin or open wounds
- Patients with bleeding or clotting problems
- Unidentified lumps / bumps
When would we use STR techniques?
- Muscle overload syndrome.
- Resolving muscle tears.
- Post immobilisation stiffness.
- Poor / altered movement patterning resulting in stiffness.
- Post swelling stiffness.
- Desensitisation of scar tissue or hypersensitive / allodynic skin.
What is effleurage massage?
Uses fingers and flat hands in long, light strokes.
When is effleurage used in a massage and why?
Start + End
- To warm up the tissues or relax after treatment
What are the aims of effleurage?
- Increase blood flow
- Improve lymphatic drainage
- Aid relaxation
What are the physiological effects of effleurage?
- Increased venous return.
- Increased lymphatic drainage.
- Increased positive hormones.
- Improved increased healing, recovery and relaxation.
When is petrissage used?
Once tissues have been warmed up.
What is kneading (petrissage technique)?
A technique in which pressure is applied to superficial and deep tissues to treat tight muscles, increase flexibility and decrease pain.
What is rolling (petrissage technique)?
A circular technique where tissues are lifted, rolled and squeezed in a compressive action.
- The pressure is deep and it compresses the underlying muscles aiming to break down and realign collagen fibres and reduce tightness by applying pressure to knots and adhesions.
What is wringing (petrissage technique)?
A manipulation where the tissues are lifted up and wrung from side to side.
- It compresses soft tissues against underlying structures before they are lifted.
- The lifted tissues are pulled away gently using the hands and fingers.
- The thumb is then used to push the tissues back towards the underlying tissues.
What is Muscle Energy Technique (MET)?
Activate a muscle sub-maximally for 5-10 seconds, followed by a stretch to a new movement barrier.
What are the benefits of Muscle Energy Technique (MET)?
- Pain reduction
- Increased flexibility (for short-term)
What is a Trigger Point?
A tight palpable lump or band within a muscle, which when palpated produces a painful response.
What are the treatments for Trigger Points?
- Massage
- Trigger point release
- Cold spray and stretch
- Acupuncture / dry needling
- Botox
What is trigger point release used with in order to be beneficial?
Used along side other modalities such as massage, stretches and strengthening exercises
What is trigger point pain typically described as?
A deep aching pain in a muscle, which may refer through the muscle
When is occipital release used?
In patients who are reporting upper cervical pain (on palpation of the sub-occipital muscles or around C1-2) and/or headaches
What does occipital release used to do?
Release tension in the sub-occipital muscles and fascia associated with neck pain, headaches and stress.
