Week 3 - Soft Tissue Stretching

Question 1

Give 4 potential treatments for high tone

Answer 1

Passive and active stretching
Passive movements
Positioning
Massage
Medication
Heat
Hydrotherapy

Question 2

What does an effective stretch need?

Answer 2

Time - hours
Force - large enough for plastic changes
Speed - slow to prevent muscle spindle response

Question 3

What are the contra-indications for stretching?

Answer 3

Bony block (except elbow)
Recent fracture
Acute inflammatory process
Acute pain
Hypermobility
When shortened tissue provides function

Question 4

What are the precautions for stretching?

Answer 4

Suspected osteoporosis
Newly united fractures
Oedematous tissue
If patient has muscle pain > 24h post stretching