Inhibitory Techniques: Self-Myofascial Release

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, concepts, and techniques related to inhibitory techniques and self-myofascial release, based on lecture notes.

Inhibitory Techniques

Techniques used in the corrective exercise continuum to inhibit overactive myofascial tissue, often involving self-myofascial release.

Self-Myofascial Release (SMR)

A technique used to reduce the side effects of active or latent trigger points and assist in inhibiting overactive myofascial tissue.

Corrective Exercise Continuum

A four-phase process for improving movement patterns, starting with Inhibit, then Lengthen, Activate, and Integrate.

Trigger Points

Tender areas of muscle tissue that develop as a result of micro-trauma or stress to the soft-tissue system.

Micro-trauma

Small-scale tissue damage or stress that can lead to the development of trigger points and inflammation.

Cumulative Injury Cycle

A cycle where tissue trauma leads to inflammation, muscle spasm, adhesions, altered neuromuscular control, and muscle imbalance, perpetuating further trauma.

Adhesions

Inelastic matrix formed in soft tissue due to tension and muscle spasms, leading to altered tissue extensibility.

Altered Length-Tension Relationships

Changes in the optimal resting length of a muscle and its ability to produce force, often caused by muscle imbalance.

Altered Neuromuscular Control

Impaired ability of the nervous system to control muscle contraction and movement, often resulting from muscle imbalance.

Altered Force-Couple Relationships

Disruptions in the synergistic action of muscles causing movement at a joint, leading to synergistic dominance.

Altered Joint Mechanics (Arthrokinetic Dysfunction)

Dysfunction in joint movement and stability due to inappropriate muscle firing patterns or tissue restrictions.

Davis's Law

Principle stating that soft tissues, like collagen, will remodel and adapt along lines of stress.

Relative Flexibility

The body's tendency to take the path of least resistance during movement, often leading to compensatory patterns.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiological processes, influenced by SMT to produce relaxation.

Myofascial Rolling

A compression technique that directly produces local mechanical and global neurophysiological responses through CNS pathways, stimulating mechanoreceptors.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, which are influenced by myofascial rolling through neurophysiological responses.

Muscle Spindles

Sensory receptors within muscles that detect changes in muscle length and initiate a stretch reflex; SMT aims to inhibit these for relaxation.

Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO)

Proprioceptors located at the muscle-tendon junction that sense muscle tension and, when stimulated, can cause muscle relaxation (autogenic inhibition).

Pacinian Corpuscles

Mechanoreceptors in the skin and connective tissues that respond to rapid changes in pressure and vibration.

Ruffini Endings

Mechanoreceptors in the skin and connective tissues that respond to sustained pressure and skin stretch.

Interstitial Receptors

Mechanoreceptors located within the fascia that contribute to the sensory input influencing the nervous system during SMT.

Autonomic Inhibition

The process where SMT stimulates receptors (like GTOs) to produce an inhibitory or relaxation response in the muscle, reducing muscle spindle activity.

Thixotropy

The property of certain gels or fluids to become less viscous when subjected to stress, like the fascia becoming more fluid with SMT.

Gamma Loop

A reflex arc that helps regulate muscle tone, which can be modulated by SMT to increase tissue relaxation.

Pain Modulation

The process by which the perception of pain is altered, often reduced, through stimulation of cutaneous, mechanoreceptor, and pain receptor pathways during SMT.

Precautions (for SMR)

Conditions where SMR can be performed, but with caution and modification, such as controlled hypertension, osteopenia, or recent injury.

Contraindications (for SMR)

Conditions where SMR should not be performed due to potential harm, such as deep vein thrombosis, bone fracture, or acute infection.

Frequency (SMR)

How often SMR is performed, typically most days of the week.

Sets (SMR)

The number of times a SMR routine or hold is repeated, typically 1 set per area of discomfort.

Repetitions (SMR)

For active movement variations, performing 4-6 repetitions after holding areas of discomfort.

Intensity (SMR)

The level of discomfort during SMR; it should be noticeable but allow for relaxation and breathing.

Duration (SMR)

The total time spent on SMR, typically 5-10 minutes overall, or 90-120 seconds per muscle group, holding discomfort areas for 30-60 seconds.

Myofascial Flossing

An SMR modality involving wrapping an elastic band tightly around a limb or joint to compress and mobilize soft tissue.

Cupping

An SMR modality that uses cups to create suction on the skin, drawing tissue upwards to promote blood flow and release tension.

Instrument-Assisted Myofascial Release

An SMR modality that involves using specialized tools or instruments to apply pressure and shear forces to soft tissues.

Vibration Therapy

An SMR modality that uses vibrating devices to stimulate tissues, potentially enhancing local blood flow and reducing muscle stiffness.