Muscle Approximation

Question 1

What are we actively pushing in this technique? What is the effect?

Answer 1

Pushing the muscle attachments together which makes the muscle spindle determine that the muscle is too short

Question 2

What are the indications for muscle approximation?

Answer 2

1. Muscle hypertonicity
2. Decrease in range of motion
3. Muscle spasms / cramps
4. Client does not want to actively take part in massage
5. Client is not able to actively take part in massage

Question 3

How to perform muscle approximation?

Answer 3

1. Compress the origin and insertion on to the bony structures below and then approximate (push together)
2. Use a pincer grasp on muscle attachments and bring towards each other
3. Keep in mind
   - Average of 2lbs of pressure
   - Slow rate
   - No slide over surface

Question 4

What are the effects of muscle approximation?

Answer 4

1. Reduce muscle ton e
2. Reduces muscle spasm

Question 5

What are the contraindications of muscle approximation?

Answer 5

1. Locally painful conditions
2. Local acute conditions affecting the tendon
3. Hypotonic or atonic muscles
4. Tissue fragility
5. Pathologies of connective tissue and skin lesions