Principles of Myofascial Release

Question 1

2 types of myofascial techniques

Answer 1

soft tissue-inhibition, and myofascial release

Question 2

Direct vs Indirect

Answer 2

Direct - toward and into restrictive barrier; soft tissue and myofascial release
Indirect - away from restrictive barrier; myofascial release, ligamentous strain

Question 3

What are goals of myofascial release?

Answer 3

relax hypertonic, spastic muscles
stretch fibrotic, inelastic fascia
change regulation of mechanoreceptors
Increase articulatory free play

Question 4

What are fascial mechanoreceptors

Answer 4

1. golgi organs in myotendinous junction; tonus decrease 2. large pacini corpuscles in muscular tissue; sense proprioception 3. smaller and more longitudinal Ruffini that can stretch; inhibits sympathetic 4. interstitial myofascial receptors; change vasodilation

Question 5

What changes body potential?

Answer 5

Autonomics - physically treating myofascial structures can cause afferent/efferent change of tone and vasculature
Fluids - application of pressure, water, and blood may be squeezed from fascial space and muscle

Question 6

Heat

Answer 6

important in positive effect of myofascial technique; energy directed at tissue can cause thixotropic (deep pressures) behavior, stretching or creeping (add physical stress over time and stress can become plastic)

Question 7

How long should you creep

Answer 7

20-30 seconds

Question 8

How to apply soft tissue techniques

Answer 8

forces on musculotendinous unit such as: linear pull at either end of muscle, pull both ends of muscle, pull/push, direct pressure

Question 9

Myofascial meaning in OMT

Answer 9

Forces on the “fascia”:
Direct = Push or pull in the direction of the area of most tension

Indirect = Push or pull in the direction of the area of least resistance or most “ease” or freedom of movement

Question 10

Basic Rules of Soft Tissue Technique

Answer 10

1. Start soft and rhythmically; direct
2. comfortable
3. Never rub
4. Never push directly into bone or belly of muscle
5. Direct inhibition -

Question 11

Basics of myofascial release

Answer 11

Less penetrating, constant pressure, either direct or indirect:
1. Locate ease (indirect)/bind
2. take fascia to either one side
3. palpable release
4. follow with creep change
5. reassess

Question 12

Myofascial release similarities

Answer 12

massage, rolfing, acupressure, reflexology