Side-lying position for deep pressure massage into the neck can be very effective and can allow for effective longitudinal as well as transverse cross-fiber strokes; however, it is important to avoid exerting deep pressure too far anteriorly onto the transverse processes of the client’s neck.
What Makes Kenyan Distance Runners the World’s Best?
Running economy for distance runners is a complex multi-factorial measure of running efficiency, which reflects the combined functioning of biomechanical, neuromuscular, metabolic, and cardio-respiratory factors, some of which are hereditary and some of which adapt to coaching.
Introduction to Deep Pressure Massage Technique for the Neck
Force for deep pressure can be generated in two ways: externally or internally. The external generation of force comes from the force of gravity by using our body weight. The internal generation of force comes from the contraction of our muscles.
The Effect of Myofascial Manipulation on Turnout in Classical Dance
The study demonstrated that four sessions of MFR of the lower limb can induce an improvement in the isolated external hip joint rotation. The authors hypothesized that the improvement in the hip joint’s ROM was due to reduced myofascial stiffness after the MFR treatments.
DCOMT Introduction Walkthrough
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Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Tissue Tension Barrier
Being able to feel tissue tension barriers is the one most important hands-on skill that an orthopedic manual therapist needs. Clinical orthopedic manual therapy (massage and stretching) only effects change if we reach tissue tension and then apply slightly more force beyond it.
Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Choosing the Treatment Contact
When working the low back, a good strategy is to begin with a smaller treatment contact such as thumb or finger pads to assess and begin treatment of the lumbar region, and then switch to a larger contact such as the palm or elbow to deliver deeper pressure.
Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Positioning the Feet
Make sure that the feet are not too far apart. A wide stance may feel more stable but creates a static position that makes it difficult to transfer weight from one foot to the other. With a narrower stance, it is easier to shift the center of weight of the body from one foot to the other as a stroke is done.
Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Client and Therapist Positioning
A common body mechanics error is for the therapist to stand above the face cradle at the head end of the table. Standing here only distances you from the client, causing you to lean over the client to reach the low back; this compromises body mechanics and does not allow for the efficient use of body weight.
Body Mechanics for Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Overview
For proper body mechanics, it is important to support your contact. Place the thumb pad of your right hand over the thumb pad contact of the left hand to brace/support it. Proper location of the brace is to place the right thumb pad on the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx of the thumb.
Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Choosing the Right Table
Even more important than table width is table height. As a rule, when generating deep pressure, you want the table to be as low as possible so that you can more easily position your body above the client to take advantage of gravity and body weight.
Where Does Somatic Memory in the Body Reside?
Massage and bodywork can trigger this state-dependent recall of the sensations and emotions of traumatic events, particularly if touch is itself a stimulus associated with the trauma. Manual therapists often refer to memory “locked in the tissue” and “released” when that part is worked.
What is Upper Crossed Syndrome and what are its causes?
Upper crossed syndrome describes the characteristic pattern of dysfunctional tone of the musculature of the shoulder girdle/cervicothoracic region of the body.
Foam Rolling the Posterior Leg Decreases Spinal Excitability of the Soleus
This study showed evidence that foam rolling induced modulation of spinal nervous system excitability (in other words, change in the sensitivity of the muscle spindle reflex).
Massage Therapy Improves Training of Elite Para-Athletes
The results showed that massage therapy afforded significant improvement for sleep, muscle tone (tightness), and recovery from workout while in training for paracyclists.
Walking as a Rehabilitation Exercise for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
The question should be asked: Why might walking be helpful for patients with low back pain? Although many mechanisms might be proposed, some likely scenarios are that walking strengthens, stretches, and mobilizes the myofascial tissues/joints of the lumbosacral-hip joint region.
Manual Therapy Case Study for Upper Crossed Syndrome
The therapist performed a static assessment of the client’s posture and noted the typical upper crossed syndrome with a hyperkyphotic thoracic spine, a hypolordotic lower cervical spine, a hyperlordotic upper cervical spine, protracted head, protracted scapulae, and medially (internally) rotated arms.
Self-Care and Medical Approaches to Upper Crossed Syndrome
When stretching the pectoralis musculature in a doorway, it is helpful to place the hand/forearm against the doorframe at various heights so that different aspects of the pectoralis musculature are preferentially stretched.
How do we Treat Upper Crossed Syndrome with Manual Therapy?
Especially effective for the pectoralis musculature is to use pin and stretch technique. With the client/patient supine and positioned toward the side of the table, pin the musculature with your finger pads as you bring the client/patient’s abducted arm off the side of the table and down into horizontal extension.
Shin Splints and Muscle Stiffness of the Posterior (Lower) Leg
Based on the two studies, the researchers suggested that flexor digitorum longus and tibialis posterior stiffness could be related to the development of shin splints. Therefore, these muscles should be palpated and assessed in our clients who present with shin splints.
Chronic Migraines Worsened by Temporomandibular Joint / TMJ Disorder
While people who suffer from migraine are more likely to have TMJ disorder, people with TMJ disorder will not necessarily have migraine.
Signs, Symptoms, and Assessment of Upper Crossed Syndrome
The first and most obvious sign of upper crossed syndrome (named by Vladimir Janda) is the characteristic postural dysfunction of protracted scapulae, medially (internally) rotated humeri, hyperkyphotic (overly flexed) upper thoracic spine, and a protracted (anteriorly held) head.
The Twisted Structure of the Achilles Tendon
A study from Belgium also showed that the Achilles tendon displayed a twisted structure, with the greatest twisting found in the deep (anterior) layer of the tendon (lateral gastrocnemius and soleus).
Scapular Dyskinesis Increases the Risk of Future Shoulder Pain
One potential risk factor for shoulder pain is scapular dyskinesis. Scapular dyskinesis refers to altered position and motion of the scapula.
Myofascial Memory… Does Myofascial Tissue Hold Memories?
Can memories be held in the fascia?
And are these memories accessible during manual therapy?
The Effect of Cryotherapy on Recovery Following a Marathon
These findings lend further evidence to suggest that treatment belief and the placebo effect may be largely responsible for the beneficial effects of cryotherapy on recovery following a marathon.
Proprioceptive Equilibrium Coordination (PEC) and Autism
The proprioceptive system, however, needs to be trained and stimulated continuously because otherwise it is subjected to “proprioceptive lethargy.”
Manual therapy case study for sciatica.
The therapist’s session consisted of moist heat, soft tissue manipulation, and stretching to the low back with double knee to chest stretch performed with agonist contract technique and stretching the left side of the low back with Armin side-lying on his right side.
How do we treat sciatica with manual therapy?
It is necessary to determine what condition is causing the sciatic nerve compression and address that. If the cause is a pathologic disc, then addressing factors that affect disc compression is appropriate.
John Harvey Kellogg and The Art of Massage and massage myths
John Harvey Kellogg (1852-1943), best known for his corn flakes, was an American physician who pioneered health food movement in the late 19th century, and also wrote a book on The Art of Massage.