SOFT TISSUE TECHNIQUES AND MOBILISATION

SOFT TISSUE TECHNIQUES AND MOBILISATION

Soft tissue mobilization technique is a practice therapy where procedures are applied to soft tissues and muscles to restore mobility and optimum healing. These techniques involve the stroking friction and manipulation of soft tissues and muscles to focus on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia to increase mobility and range of motion. Additionally, the mobilization techniques improve range of motion, reduce swelling pain, and restore functionality. Kneading of joints and connective tissues reduces joint dysfunction and generates muscle flexibility, relaxation, and mobilization. Soft tissue techniques are used to optimize muscle friction and break adhesions to improve mobilization.

In improving the range of motion around the spine, spinal mobilization is applied to the spinal column or region. Before commencing any treatment, a client intake form is mandatory to develop a detailed understanding of which region to focus on. The patients are then adjusted on the bed to expose the section where the manual impulse should be applied. Gentle, oscillatory rotations are then applied on to the spinal column to increases the range of movement of the spine. Spinal mobilization is often used to relieve shoulder, neck, and back pains. Also, they are used to treat disorders like menstrual pain and cervical pains. However, its effectiveness is challenging to determine since it cannot be applied to all patients. By improved studies, spinal manipulation is a controversial therapy for any joints or muscles because of the danger of injury and lack of long term benefits.

Another technique used for mobilization is the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). It involves flexibility training to increase the range of movement of joints and connective tissues. To begin this technique, the muscle group to be stretched is positioned so those specific areas are stretched under tension. The client should be encouraged to breathe when tightness is felt to improve body relaxation. The muscles are then stretched for a few seconds. Effort applied to the muscle should be targeted to achieve the range of movement targeted. The stretching is then repeated 2 to 3 times for desired results. PNF stretching is not backed by enough research to be used in flexing PNF is more effective for back pain and knee pain. Recent studies on PNF illustrate that the stretching techniques require experience and practice and may result in injury.

Also, some joint restrictions can be improved by peripheral mobilization. Mobilization techniques on peripheral joint restrictions are taken into consideration to understand where to provide tissue mobilization. In this technique, patients are indulged in the specific joint complaints to generate excellent focus on the joint, which has lost motion. With increased awareness of the correct position by the client, mobilization is applied at right angles or parallel to the joint where there is restricted motion. Peripheral mobilizations are preferred because they are less aggressive techniques. However, according to recent studies, peripheral mobilization is characterized by adverse side effects.

The myofascial release is also considered as a technique of soft tissue mobilization that concentrates on fascial tissues or muscles that generates pain.  To practice a myofascial release, myofascial areas that feel tight, need to be located. The technique is then applied with lubricants to manipulate fibers of the fascia.  Many studies have stated that this type of soft tissue manipulation works well to restore flexibility and functionality. However, there are contradicting studies that the therapeutic benefits of myofascial release are not coherent. Also, this technique takes a lot of time to achieve the desired results. Myofascial techniques are characterized by trigger points which

Taping is a form of soft tissue mobilization technique that focusses on taping to restrict motion while providing stability and support. Before taping, a clinical evaluation needs to be done on the client to define the specific need for tapes. During k-taping, the size of the affected muscle is considered to enable the correct selection of the shape of tape. The contraindications associated with taping include malignancy, infection, and an open wound. Theories suggest that tapes cause the formation of convolutions around injured muscles, which encourage regeneration of the tissues. However, the evidence theories that tape helps in tissue realignment still require extensive research

Trigger point therapy focuses on the tightness and stiffness around in a contracted muscle. Trigger points occur on soft tissues. The pressure is applied to the trigger points to eliminate muscle pain. Sustained pressure should be applied gon the muscle until the muscle spasm is released. The pressure should take from 10-30 seconds to relax and eliminate muscle pain. Trigger point release manipulates the soft tissue from discomfort. Through the years of clinical practice, soft tissue release for trigger points has no medical evidence to illustrate how the release helps in tissue tension. Chronic, acute pain and tight muscles can be relieved by trigger point release techniques. The trigger point release stimulates body response to pressure, therefore causing relief on tissues.

These various forms of soft tissue techniques require important training and research in human anatomy. Understanding the physiology of the human body helps in the manipulation and mobilization of tissues that impact physical functions. The different muscle and tissue disorders require specialization in the assessment of body anatomy. These techniques focus on the manipulation of soft tissues and muscle to improve the overall range of motion and relieve pain. They should be applied and used with care since some of them prove to be harmful to the connective ligaments, tissues, and muscles.