Muscle Stripping

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A very slow specific gliding technique that therapists apply from one attachment of a muscle to the other for the purpose of reducing the activity of myofascial trigger points

Question 2

What techniques can you use

Answer 2

knuckles, fingertips, ulnar border, thumb or elbow

Question 3

Principle of massage

Answer 3

Distal to proximal

Question 4

Uses

Answer 4

Reduce activity, pain, and other symptoms of trigger points and to help restore the length and strength of the affected muscle

Question 5

Indications

Answer 5

• Trigger points
• Hypertoned muscles
• Decreased ROM
• Adhered muscle tissue
• Muscular contractures (shortening of muscle)
• Muscular pain

Question 6

Effects

Answer 6

Decreases pain due to Trigger points
Reduces adhesions
Breaks down scar tissue
↓ muscle hypertonicity
↑ ROM

Question 7

CI’s

Answer 7

• All local and general
• Acute inflammation
• Early stages of healing
• Atonic muscles / hypotonic muscles
• Severe muscle atrophy
• Caution around areas of muscle spasm

Question 8

This technique should be

Answer 8

slow and deliberate to ‘feel’ the muscle underneath

Question 9

Muscle stripping protocol

Answer 9

1) Renew/Obtain informed consent
2) 4 T’s
3) PROM for the muscle
4) Warm up proximal and distal muscles
5) Warm up affected muscle
6) Reassess tissue and see if you need to proceed
7) Reestablish pain scale
8) Fire off affected muscle before each pass
9) Strip
10) Think sink, apply slow, deliberate strokes parallel to muscle fibre direction
11) check in with patient after a few passes
12) Reassess (PROM and 4 T’s)
13) Repeat stripping if necessary, if not clear out
14) Home care

Question 10

Home care ice

Answer 10

a. Ice to prevent soreness post treatment (FIDS)
i. Frequency: 2x per day for the next 48-72 hours (2-3 days)
ii. Intensity: Ice pack or cool compress
iii. Duration: 10-20 minutes but dependent on muscle treated, shorter if less muscular such as forearm, longer if more muscular such as hamstrings
iv. Surface area

Question 11

Home care stretch

Answer 11

Passive stretch (FIDS)
i. Frequency – 2x/day until your next treatment
ii. Intensity – gentle resistance felt but not painful
iii. Duration (Time) – hold for 60 seconds
iv. Stretch – Seated hamstrings stretch with knees extended