Clinical Integration: Soft Tissue Flashcards
2 Types of Soft Tissue
- Contractile
- Non-Contractile
- Soft tissue that creates movement
- Muscles, tendons
Contractile
- Soft tissue that lacks the ability to produce movement
- Joint capsule, ligament, bursa, cartilage, fascia, dura mater, nerves
Non-Contractile
Muscle Function
maintain posture, create movement, slow or stop movement, proprioception
3 Types of Muscle Contractions
- Concentric
- Eccentric
- Isometric
During active muscle contraction the two ends move close together
Concentric
During active muscle contraction, the two ends are moving farther apart
Eccentric
During active muscle contraction, there is no movement produced at the joint
Isometric
A hyperirritable spot in muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band of tissue w/ a referral pattern
Trigger Point
Tendons Function
transmit the contractile force of its associated muscle to the bone
When a tendon is forcibly torn away from its attachment site on the bone
Avulsion
Ligaments Function
connect bone to bone and establish stability in the skeletal structure
An acute overload of the tensile stress on a ligament fiber, causing the ligament to stretch
Sprain
When muscle fibers torn with the tissue due to excessive tensile stress
Strain
Joint Capsule Function
- acts like a ligament to maintain stability and support
- houses synovial fluid
Fascia Function
provide support, shape, and suspension for the soft tissues of the body
Nerve Function
carries sensory and motor signals
results from mechanical forces or systemic disorder that attack a nerve
Nerve Degeneration
damage to a nerve root
Radiculopathy
damage along a nerve away from the nerve root
Neuropathy
Cartilage Function
protective cushion, provides rigidity and support
Bursa Function
provide cushioning and to reduce friction between adjacent structures
Compressive damage to bursa resulting in inflammation
Bursitis
Type of Tissue AROM Tests
- Contractile
- Non-contractile
Type of Tissue PROM Tests
Non-contractile
Type of Tissue MRT Tests
Contractile
Test during which client moves the involved joint through all planes of motion without assistance from the therapist and indicated when/where any pain/discomfort is felt
Active Range of Motion
Test during which therapist moves the involved joint through all planes w/o assistance from client and notes any restrictions or hypermobility.
Passive Range of Motion
During PROM, gradual controlled pressure added to end-range of joint’s motion motion within a plane. Since the client is not contraction during this phase, only the joint itself is being tested.
End Feel
Bony End-Feel
Sudden stop end-feel, which can indicate bony changes
Soft End-Feel
When motion is stopped by the compression of muscle tissue between opposing limb segments
Tissue Stretch End-Feel
Leathery end-feel, which can indicate capsular fibrosis when inflammation is not present
Muscle Spasm End-Feel
Sudden stop end-feel prior to where the end range should be with sudden rebound and pain
Springy Block End-Feel
Caused by a loose body within the joint
Empty End-Feel
Pain is felt before true end-feel is attained
- Static test for muscle strength (isometric)
- Allow for isolation of structure being tested
Place client’s joint in midrange of motion being tested. Instruct the client to hold that position and not allow the therapist to move it. Therapist attempts to move the limb while the client resists. The therapist gradually increases the pressure to the point that a strong contraction is felt.
Manual Resisted Test
- Tests designed to recreate or alleviate symptoms and/or pain
- Help therapist determine which structures to treat during the massage
Special Tests
