Myofascial Release What is Myofascial Release (MFR)? The main goal of a physical therapy (PT) is to keep patients functional, active, and pain free for as long as physically possible. One of the several tools that are used by physical therapists to help ensure an individual’s long term functionality is myofascial release. Essentially, myofascial release is a type of muscle tissue therapy that uses pressure to target tightness in fascial tissue in order to reduce pain, improve range of motion (ROM), and correct blood flow restrictions. Where does the term MFR originate? Myofascial is an adjective that combines two terms: “myo”, from the Greek word “mus” meaning muscle, and the anatomical term fascia (“Myo”). Although its roots can be traced …show more content…
The theory behind MFR is to utilize massage to return fascial tissue to an optimal condition via heat and mechanical stress. When enough force is applied over affected areas for an extended period of time, fascial tissue is able to return to its natural “gel-like” state thus increasing soft tissue compliance and ROM (Macdonald et al. 819). MFR facilitates a progression of structural changes in restricted fascia. These changes alleviate pressure attributed to the tightening of fascial tissue on pain sensitive areas (nerves, blood vessels, joints, etc.) (Barnes …show more content…
Hatfield, Peter Blanpied, Leah R. Dorfman, and Deborah Riebe. "The Effects of Myofascial Release With Foam Rolling on Performance." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 28.1 (2014): 61-68. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. Kuruma, Hironobu, Hitoshi Takei, Osamu Nitta, Yorimitsu Furukawa, Nami Shida, Hiroyo Kamio, and Ken Yanagisawa. "Effects of Myofascial Release and Stretching Technique on Range of Motion and Reaction Time." Journal of Physical Therapy Science 25 (2013): 169-71. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. Macdonald, Graham Z., Michael D.h. Penney, Michelle E. Mullaley, Amanda L. Cuconato, Corey D.j. Drake, David G. Behm, and Duane C. Button. "An Acute Bout of Self-Myofascial Release Increases Range of Motion Without a Subsequent Decrease in Muscle Activation or Force." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 27.3 (2013): 812-21. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. Mckenney, Kristin, Amanda S. Elder, Craig Elder, and Andrea Hutchins. "Myofascial Release as Treatment for Orthopaedic Conditions: A Systematic Review." Journal of Athletic Training 48.4 (2013): 522-27. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. “Myo.” Oxford Dictionaries. Oxford University Press. n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2014 Schleip, Robert, Heike Jäger, and Werner Klingler. "What Is ‘fascia’? A Review of
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The subject’s forearm was prepared by cleaning the surface of their skin (the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle) and the bony prominence of their wrist with an alcohol swab, and the EMG adhesive electrodes where placed on the belly of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. The positive electrode was placed more proximal to the elbow, while the negative electrode was placed more mid-distally. The grounding (noise reducing) electrode was places on the bony prominence of the wrist, and the force transducer was setup to achieve a stable baseline. The subject was then instructed to the support their forearm over the edge of the table or on their leg with the wrist in a semi-flexed position, and when ready squeeze the force grip transducer as hard as possible. For the first/”fast” time interval of the experiment, the subject made ten squeezes as fast as possible with one second per squeeze intervals, and the force onset, EMG onset, difference between force onset and EMG onset, peak EMG amplitude, and peak force amplitude were observed and recorded. The experiment was then repeated for a medium, three seconds per squeeze, and slow, five seconds per squeeze time intervals with the same variables observed and
Oatis C. (2009) Kinesiology: The Mechanics & Pathomechanics of Human Movement (Second ed.). Glenside, Pennsylvania: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Controlled increases in physical stress through progressive resistive exercise cause muscle fibers to hypertrophy and become capable of generating greater force.3 Early emphasis is on restoring joint range of motion and muscle flexibility, however, resistive exercises are not delayed. The initial emphasis of muscle loading should be on endurance, accomplished with lower loads and higher repetitions. Progressive resistive exercises are initiated at the available range and progressed to new positions as wrist range of motion returns in all planes. Both the overload principle and the SAID Principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) are important considerations in therapeutic exercise dosing.1,3,11 Within pain tolerance, dosing progressive resistive exercises that maintain a therapeutic stress level will encourage muscle tissue hypertrophy. Finding activities that produce the correct force and repetition, without injury, is the goal of the remobilization period. Starting with low force, moderate to high repetitions, and encouraging therapeutic rest following induced stress is important to both the overload principle and the SAID Principle. Additionally, it is important to prevent dosing resistive exercises that exceed optimal stress, which may result in injury. The patient’s response to therapeutic exercise should be assessed during, immediately following,
Graston instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (GITSM) is a tool used by therapist and chiropractors to help break up the scar tissue and replace it with fibroblast allowing for faster recoveries (Black 2010). A series of heat, GISTM, then strength and flexibility training are required (Black 2010). Numerous studies have been conducted, by certified therapist qualified in GISTM, to examine the styles and recovery periods after an injury. After going through the treatment, patients are measured by their range of motion (ROM) to see if the treatments were effective or not (Black 2010). ROM can vary depending on the region of the body that is being treated, but the overall goal of GISTM is to allow a person to get back to their regular routines they had before their injury. A study conducted by Logan College of Chiropractic shows that plantar fasciitis (foot) can be treated by GISTM on the first day of treatment (Daniels and Morrell 2012). Another study by Duke University shows that GISTM can be effective for patients after surgery that had an injury in the Patellar tendon (knee) (Black 2010). After several treatments, GISTM can, also, be used to treat a compression fracture in the lumbar (back) (Papa 2012). Each study shows the method of GISTM, the patient’s recovery period along with the methods of recovery.
There are many aspects on the study and meaning of kinesiology. Some of these ways are; applied kinesiology, kinesiology medicine research, and specialized and energy kinesiology. The study kinesiology and massage therapy is believed to go hand and hand. Many will say that without the proper knowledge of kinesiology and muscle movements, you can not provide a patent with all that is needed for a proper massage. As we approach new years, many individuals are increasing their concern in health. With the healing arts increasing in popularity, individuals don’t understand the need for well-rounded therapist. Who are trained in the science of kinesiology, which includes the technique of massage to enable them to be proficient in their field.
Placzek, J., & Boyce, D. (2001). Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Secrets. Philadelphia: Hanley & Belfus, Inc.
The taping applied under tension in the direction of the muscle fibers will apparently help to facilitate the underlying muscle strength and thus in turn helps to increase the strength of the muscle( morrisey et al, 2000)
Kumar P, Raju P, Prasad V. fundamentals of physiotherapy. India. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers. 2005
[2] Zelick, R. 2014. Muscle Lab Exercise. Bi253 Lab Manual. Portland State University, OR, pp. 1-5
It is a home exercise program that allows the patient to take an active part in their healing. Gently moving the soft tissue prepares it for the treatment it receives from the therapist. Time previously spent during the therapy session to initiate change in the tissues is used instead to advance further release and flexibility. The therapist is able to focus treatment time on stubborn areas of connective tissue restriction that have not changed in response to exercise. The positioning the patient uses to complete the exercises helps the therapist identify the source of the problem which is not usually in the same place as the patient’s primary complaint. This partnership between the therapist and the patient translates into quicker recovery and improved pain relief for the
Dunn, George et al. National Strength and Conditioning Association. National Strength and Conditioning Association Journal. 7. 27-29. 1985.
When performing manual muscle testing for shoulder flexion and abduction, PTA’s typically place their hand at the wrist verses the mid-extremity because placing their hands at the wrist increases the length of the lever thus testing the muscles ability to resist externally applied force overtime and across the bone-joint lever arm system. Shorter lever arms will provide higher testing scores when compared to using longer lever arms, thus changing the point of force application affects the length of the lever arm and therefore the muscle torque.
in soft tissue mobilization pressure.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. April 1999: 531-5.
Gabboth, Tim. "Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins). Feb2012, Vol. 26 Issue 2, P487-491. 5p." N.p., n.d. Web.