Hands On Treatment
Outlined below are some of the techniques used in hands- on treatment
Massage
Muscles are stimulated to contract or relax via nerve cells. There is a constant
monitoring and protective function of specialised nerve receptors. These nerve
receptors receive and transmit information regarding muscle tension static tone
degree of stretch joint position and speed of movement. It is unusual to encounter
soft tissue dysfunction without proprioceptive hyperactivity the result of this
hyperactivity is tense of spastic muscles accompanied by protective activity by
opposing groups of muscles. Simply a tight muscle area results in or from weakened
muscles areas and vice versa.
When working with the neuromuscular mechanism the basic premise is to substitute
different neurologic signal stimulation through massage to result muscle length
through lengthening and stretching muscles and connective tissue, and to
re-educate the muscles involved.
Here are some benefits associated with massage:
- Improves movement of blood and nutrients though the body
- Eliminates metabolic wastes
- Provides short term pain relief
- Reduces swelling
- Relaxes tight muscles and balances muscle activity
- Breaks down adhesions in old injuries
- Reduces recovery time between athletic events
Therapeutic Principles Employed
Petrissage:
The creation of a pump like action to effect the circulation and nervous system, it regulates muscle tone and loosens and stretches the underlying tissues.
Techniques involve, picking up, wringing, kneading, rolling and shaking the tissues each having different stimulating effects.
Friction
This is a more intense application of pressure to the affected area using the thumb or fingers. Pressure is initially applied lightly and then progressively gets deeper. This technique is not used as part of a relaxing massage or used on acute injuries. One of the basic principles of healing is that tissue must not be irritated while healing, but nevertheless it still needs stress and stimulation to breaking down adhesions and noxious chemicals built up in tissues. Friction achieves this aim and also stimulates circulation to problem areas thus promoting healing.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are palpable, irritable nodules within muscle fibers causing localised or "referred" pain. Referred pain patterns in muscles follow specific nerve pathways and have been readily mapped to allow for identification of the causative pain factor. Treatment of these nodules involves friction and ischemic compression (compression of the trigger point cessating blood flow in the area, causing the circulation to increase overall). When present in muscles there is often pain and weakness in the associated structures.
Myofascial Treatment
Myofascial release refers to a technique for stretching fascia and releasing bonds between fascia and other structures. Fascia is a continuous band of connective tissue covering muscles, organs and the majority of skeletal structures. Like muscle, fascia can become distorted by overuse and trauma and can cause pain and limited range of motion. The goal of myofascial release is to release fascial restriction and restore tissue health using hands on engagement of the fascia and encouraging a stretch to the fibers.
Muscle Energy Techniques
Muscle Energy Technique involves using muscle contraction to aid and initiate a relaxation within the muscle. It usually entails the use of a second party (the therapist) to resist the muscle contraction producing a static resistance. Immediately after this contraction the muscle is temporarily fooled into stretching further than normal. This is a painless and often relaxing technique with great benefits.
Passive Range of Movement
Here the Therapist will perform movement of the joint passively, i.e. without aid from the patient; because of the nature of the exercise it can have great therapeutic effects on acute or guarded tissues. Other benefits also exist:
- Improves flexibility in stiff joints, by stretching joint capsules, ligaments and tendons
- IPromotes circulation
- Breaks down adhesions and scar tissue
- Reduces stiffness from inactivity and guarding