A TOOLBOX OF TECHNIQUES
Did you know there are different methods of application for Sports Massage - this isn't always the therapeutic rubbing of the body for release, sometimes its certain techniques which are applied to relieve the actual issue, hence the fact we may carry out certain assessments. Look below for some of the variations.
SOFT TISSUE RELEASE
Used when muscles are tight, short and Tense.
This uses precise pressure with active and passive stretches creating a lock effectively and shortening a usable length of muscle then stretching. This is used along the whole length of the muscle.
Variations include Active, Passive and Active Assisted.
The Muscle is placed in a shortened position and pressure is applied to restrict soft tissues using a variety of reinforced hand positions to lock tissue in place, whilst maintaining pressure the joint is moved to create a focused stretch between the lock and joint resulting in the tissues separating any adhesions, this can be applied for up to two minutes starting proximally and working towards the joint.
The benefits of this are:-
Improved blood and lymph circulation
release tightness and reduce pain.
Improves coordination and proprioception.
Risks/Contraindications:-
This must be applied with gradual progression and cat be applied if there has been recent trauma or any oedema present.
Presence of increased or lowered blood pressure/varciouse veins or heart problems or pregnancy would mean this can't be performed.
MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUES
A form of assisted stretching which does not require contact with target tissue, to can prove useful in supporting soft tissue repair.
This technique allows the muscle to be stretched to allow more flexibility, relaxes tight muscles, lengthens muscle and improves mobility without direct contact, helping more if this is a tender limb. Tension builds up in a muscle stimulating the Golgi Tendon Organ in turn overriding muscle spindles facilitating a relaxation to reduce muscle tension.
POST ISOMETRICAL RELAXATION:-
This requires palpation of area, holding limb at a bind point with slow progressive performance for up to 10s until client relaxes, up to 20-30%max ability counteracting contraction to ensure there is no movement then relaxing contracted muscle by inhalation then exhale slowly then passive stretch muscle which in turn increases range of movement. This is repeated 2-3 times always finishing at a bind point. slow progressive performance
RECIPROCAL INHIBITION:-
This method is the same as above, however is targeting the antagonist muscle meaning as the agonist muscle contracts the antagonist muscle relaxes.
Risks/considerations
Joints must be supported and client plays an active role for feedback on bind point.
Must avoid twisting/bending and conscious of the spine.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE THERAPY
Superficial fascia covering the entire body like a skin suit containing nerves, blood vessels & lymph.
This is manipulative Target Therapy which restores mobility of dermis & fascia and helps the remodelling of collagen.
This is applied by pulling or pushing or rolling isolated areas, without medium or oils, often using only a thumb and fingertip or a flat hand applying superficial pressure to establish a contact pushing tissues in different directions to determine any restrictive tissues then holding at a pint of stretch or pinching skin and rolling to free up any restrictions.
The benefits of this are:-
Restores circulation
Improves nervous function
improves organ function and can increase digestion.
Risks/Contraindications:-
Varicouse veins or damage to the skin area..
TRIGGER POINTS
This is a hyper irritable spot within a muscle which can reduce Range of Movement and cause muscle weakness. It is a point in which sensory receptors become overexcited & local pain is perceived.
Performed by applying progressive direct pressure causing pain 7/10, maintaining pressure up to 20s until pain subsides or repeating up to total of 90s or until pain is no longer attained then flushing the areas by petrisage afterwards
The benefits of this are:-
Increased flexibility and contractibility of affected muscle.
Improved Range of Motion
Reduces local and referred pain
Improves circulation
improves local and general relaxation.
Risks/Considerations:-
Ensure client can withstand pain threshold
Bruising and discomfort for 1-2 days..
FRICTIONS
These are used to break down or restriction colognes in muscles, tendons & ligaments performed at right angles to target fibres.
Tissues applied in a relaxed position, however if its a ligament then they will be placed in a taught position, applied using multiple short frictions at a time holding and applying at right angles to the fibres needing breaking down applying carefully and only 10-20seconds as the might be uncomfortable and applying effleurage in-between and re-palpating to monitor effectiveness.
The benefits/effects of frictions are:-
Physical realignment of collagen fibres
removal of excess scar & adhesions
Reduction of congestion in that area resulting in improved circulation
improved range of motion & mobility and removal of physical restriction.
Risks/consideration:-
performed in Multiple short frictions at right angle and must be re-palpated regularly to monitor the effect (10-20s)
Effleurage to be performed during a break to encourage lymph drainage.
Ice is recommended afterwards to remodel & alleviate discomfort and minimise subcutaneous bleeding.
ely@Emmayoung-personaltraining.co.uk
Emma Young Personal Training and Sports Massage Therapy
Business Address: 52 Front Street, Leadgate, Consett DH8 7SE
+44 749 5779876
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