L11: ICRFR II

Question 1

Definition of soft tissue technique

Answer 1

• Direct technique involving lateral stretching, linear stretching, deep pressure, traction and/or separation of muscle origin and insertion while monitoring tissue response and motion changes by palpation. Aka myofascial treatment
• NB, this is done on any tissue that is not BONE or ORGAN

Question 2

Goals of soft tissue techniques

Answer 2

• Mechanical: muscle and fascial relaxation / stretch
• Circulatory: increase blood and lymph flow/return
• Neuronal: pain relief, stimulation/inhibition (viscerosomatics)
• Secondary goal = mind / spirit components treated

Question 3

What are relative contraindications for soft tissue/fascial treatments?

Answer 3

1. Acute trauma
2. Infection
3. DVT
4. Spondylolisthesis (forward slipping of one vertebra on top of the other)
5. RA or Down’s Syndrome: instability of transverse ligament of axis – so this applies to c-spine treatment
6. Ankylosing spondylitis: inflammatory arthritis that affects spinal joints – bones fuse as disease progresses

Question 4

Effleurage

Answer 4

• Stroking movement used to move lymphatic tissue

Question 5

Petrissage

Answer 5

• Kneading or squeezing action (or wringing)

Question 6

Tapotement

Answer 6

• Striking belly of a muscle with hypothenar eminence of open hand in rapid succession in an attempt to increase tone and arterial perfusion

Question 7

Traction/”stretch”

Answer 7

• O/I moving apart

Question 8

Kneading

Answer 8

• Rhythmic motion that keeps O/I stationary, but pulls perpendicular to or parallel with long axis

Question 9

Review treatments practical I

Answer 9

do it!