Soft Tissue Massage

Soft Tissue Massage (STM) is a category ofalleviates hypertonic (tight) areas within muscle
bodywork that aims to alleviate aches, pains andand fascia.
or injuries that are attributable to the softOther Techniques such as Active Release
tissues of the body. In seeking to achieve this, aTherapy, Myofascial Release and / or Deep
soft tissue practitioner will gain a medical andTissue Massage are all combinations of the
lifestyle profile of their client, and also gathertechniques listed above. These are not unique
other physical findings during a postural and / ortechniques that have unique or exceptional results.
functional assessment.Generally, any one of these techniques alone, or in
Soft Tissue Practitioners (STP) are healthcarecombination, may provide the solution to an ache,
profesionals who have extensive training inpain, or an injury.
anatomy, physiology, pathology, pathophysiology,However, claims that any particular soft tissue
biomechanics, functional anatomy, and palpatorytechnique will alleviate a specific condition,
certainty. As practitioners, STPs are required topredictably, every time, are deceptive.
maintain client records, update their skills andStretching Static stretches attempt to alleviate
knowledge annually, and maintain insurance.excessively hypertonic (tight).
Assessments - Postural and Functional ClientsPNF stretches (proprioceptive neuromuscular
presenting with a specific complaint/s will generallyfacilitation) are used in an attempt decrease the
undergo a number of assessments that will eachtone in a muscle or muscle group that is assessed
provide information about the client's soft tissueas being hypertonic (tight).
status. These assessments are conductedTo treat DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness),
according to the client's presenting signs andProprioreceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is
symptoms. The purpose of this process is helptypically used.
identify the most likely cause of the pain or injury.The use of very light muscular contractions, in
They may include assessments of posture,very specific directions is Muscle Energy
biomechanics, range of movement, nervousTechnique (M.E.T.).
system, among others.Refined more than 100 years ago in the field of
When the findings of an assessment suggest thatosteopathy, this technique, alters joint restriction
the client may have a condition or signs andand joint range of motion, through altering the
symptoms that are beyond the scope of alength of local musculature.
practitioners skill-set, training, and / orExercise Prescription Dysfunctional soft tissues
specialisation, they will refer that client to theare either too short and tight or too long and
most appropriate healthcare professional.weak.
Treatment Strategies The specific treatmentDependant upon on assessment findings, some
application of an ache, pain, or injury will be solelyclients may be required to undertake a series of
reliant on the conclusions reached by theexercises, to strengthen, or simply to "switch-on"
assessments. Any number of treatmentparticular muscles or muscle groups.
techniques may be used to achieve optimalTaping Some soft tissue practitioners may use
treatment results.strapping proprioreceptively, with a view to
As with most professions, the more refined thealtering pain perception or muscle firing patterns.
practitioners skills, coupled with their understandingAdvice As part of an overall treatment strategy,
of anatomy, physiology, and dysfunction theclients will often be required to contribute to their
more intricate may be the treatment applications.treatment outcomes for optimal benefit. This may
Manual Techniques Trigger Point techniquesbe as simple as keeping a series of appointments,
provide relief from Myofascial Trigger Points.to home exercises, to a dietary review, to some
Myofascial Therapy, that targets the muscle andself-massage.even exist. However, research
fascial systems, promotes flexibility and mobilityshows the relaxing and pleasurable nature of
of the body's connective tissues. Likewise, itmassage has many medical benefits.
mobilises fibrous adhesions and reduces theProminent skeptic Stephen Barrett, M.D., contends
severity and sensitivity of scarring caused bythere is no scientific support for any of the
injury or surgery.theories of Reflexology, and refers to several
Massage techniques, traditionally known asscientific studies that have shown Reflexology is
Swedish Massage, may be used as part of ano better than random chance detecting medical
treatment application. Referred to, in Soft Tissueproblems.
Therapy, as broad-handed techniques, this modeIn a paper titled "Reflexology: A Closer Look", Dr.
of treatment aims to reduce swelling and / orBarrett concludes: "Reflexology is based on an
inflammation.absurd theory... Claims that reflexology is
Frictions create heat, which in turn provides theeffective for diagnosing or treating disease should
impetus for the mobilisation of adhesions betweenbe ignored. Such claims could lead to delay of
fascial layers, muscles, compartments and othernecessary medical care..." William T. Jarvis, Ph.D.
soft tissues. Frictions are also thought to createsays: "Reflexology has almost no potential for
an inflammatory response that instigates a focusdirect harm, but its ability to mislead well-meaning
to an injured area, thereby, promoting healing,people into believing that it can be used for
especially in tendon pathologies.screening for health problems, or that it has real
Sustained Pressure (ischaemic / digital pressure)therapeutic value could lead to serious problems.