Soft-Tissue

Question 1

Physiological Effect: Types (5)

Answer 1

1. Mechanical
2. Physiological
3. Reflexive
4. Mind-Body
5. Energetic (eastern thought)

Question 2

Mechanical effects

Answer 2

Change tissue length –> pull/push tissue
(produce heat –> increase tissue extensibility prior to stretching)
(release trigger points for improved muscular balance/postural alignment

Question 3

Physiological Effects

Answer 3

• blood/lymph flow increase
  -toxins mobilized and cleared by liver/kidneys
• nervous system/endocrine changes
  (beneficial to infants, i.e. elicit relaxation)

Question 4

Reflexive effects

Answer 4

Changes in: 
blood pressure
heart rate
respiratory rate
autonomic nervous system

Question 5

Mind-Body effects

Answer 5

Relaxation–> increased body awareness

May be beneficial for CVA patients w/ high or low muscle tone.

Question 6

What is the definition of “indications” for soft-tissue work?

Answer 6

Impairments of body function & structure that are amenable to soft tissue mobilization.

Question 7

Indications for soft-tissue work

Answer 7

Adhesions/scarring
impaired connective tissue
impaired joint integrity
impaired muscle integrity
muscle spasms
impaired muscle performance
abnormal muscle-resting tension and spasms
pain
postural alignment
swelling
abnormal muscle tone
impaired airway clearance
dyspnea
decreased rib cage mobility
stress
immune suppression

Question 8

Contraindications for soft-tissue work: STOP DON’T USE.

Answer 8

skin disease
active infections
acute inflammatory conditions
phlebitis, arteritis
undiagnosed lump; malignancy
neurotic pain
areas of impaired sensation
aneurysm
baker's cyst
open wound
peripheral neuropathy
24-48hrs post anti-inflam injections
hemophilia, hemorrhage
intoxication
liver failure
fever
unstable hypo or hypertension

Question 9

Precautions: Yellow-flag

Answer 9

acute inflame condition
contusion
fracture
post-surgery
pitting edema
incision site
neuralgia
atherecleosis
congestive heart failure
kidney disease
certain medications
coma 
epilepsy
stable hypo/hypertension
immunosuppression
imflamm arthritis
MS
Osteoporosis
elevated temp (but no fever)

Question 10

Contextual factors to consider when using soft-tissue work.

Answer 10

1. Race/ ethnicity/ culture
2. Religion
3. Gender
4. Disability or health status
5. Past/current life experiences
6. Other…