Soft tissue mobilization

voluntary muscle is

-the largest human organ system

what should you always do when using STM to get information

-compare sides

acute phase

-inflammatory respone

-seal wound

-direct phagocytes to inflamed area-->destroy bacteria, rid debris

-re-establish blood sypply so repair process can start

how long is acute phase

-1-3 days

STM in acute phase

-preserve tissues ability to shorten in relation to nearby structures

-very gentle, if at all

-begin physiological pump in shortened position

-work can be done peripheral to injury site and only very light work to area of injury

principles of STM

-tx directed at affecting or changing soft tissues

-joint capsules, ligaments, muscles, nerves, vascular structures

what do yo need to monitor subtle changes and respond accordingly

-good manual sensitvitity

responses to STMM

-increase in tissue mobility-mechanical

-decrease pain and sensitivity-counter-irritant theory

-increase circulation

-restore function/increase ease of mvmt

-decrease swelling/edema/effusion

-increased ROM

-general relaxation

what will you see w/ increase in tissue mobility

-decrease tissue tightness, more give

-decrease scar tissue

-increase mobility of fascia and assist separating fascial layers

-decrease muscle spasm

what will you see w/ decrease pain and sensitivity

-decrease point tenderness (able to apply more pressure w/ less symptoms)

-decrease pain w/ mvmt

benefits of increased circulation

-promotes healing

-improves venous rtn

restore functin/increase ease of mvmt

-remodel scar formation

Soft tissue variables

-location

-area: surface area contacted

-direction

-depth

-amplitude: range of tissue mvmt

-rhythm

-rate

-repetition

-time

-force

contraindications/precautions of STM

-blunt or direct trauma-->myositis ossificans

-DVT or vascular hx (arteriosclerosis, severe vericose veins, phlebitis)

-skin probs

-cancer (if done in stimulatory fashion)

-pregnancy (careful w/ aggressiveness of techniques)

-acute pathology

-blood thinner

-stage of injury: appropriate vigor

-infection

-DM

efflurage

-superficial stroking technique used to desensitize area and prep it for deeper work

petrissage

Kneading movement performed by lifting, squeezing, and pressing the tissue with a light, firm pressure.

accessory

-work done in direction perpendicular to muscle fiber

-ex: cross friction

physiological

-work done in alignment w/ muscle fibers

-ex: stretch