W4 Soft tissue release

Question 1

What is soft tissue release?

Answer 1

Focuses on a stretch to a specific muscle or region. Therapist manually places a lock and moves on the the muscles away from the pinned point. The lock acts to stop the stretch force from spreading to the rest of the muscle or beyond the locked point

Question 2

Definition

Answer 2

The combination of movement and manipulation, targets area of palpable tightness

Question 3

When to use

Answer 3

• STR can be used on fascia muscle and tendon fibres and ligamentous tissue
• Can be used through sub-actue and chronic stages of soft tissue repair
• Used on adhesions, scar tissue and where there is restrictions on soft tissue mobility

Question 4

Benefits of STR

Answer 4

• Improves flexibility and posture
• Maintains or increases ROM within a joint
• Helps formation of positive scar tissue
• Increases mobility of fascia
• Softens fibrous adhesions within soft tissue structures
• Alleviates pain

Question 5

Types of STR

Answer 5

1. Passive - Therapist applies lock and passively moves the body part to facilitate the stretch
2. Active - Client and therapist work together. Lock is applied and client moves their body part to bring about the stretch
3. Weight bearing - Client is in weight bearing and or functional position, STR is applied actively

Question 6

Key points

Answer 6

• Begins with passive always
• Tissues must be warmed beforehand