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.
What are the self-care and medical approaches to shin splints?
Self-care for shin splints begins with RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If the client/patient has anterior shin splints that is caused by running or some other physical activity that involves running, the client/patient should stop the activity until the condition is resolved.
How do we treat shin splints with manual therapy?
The first goal of manual therapy treatment for shin splints is to relieve the tension of the involved musculature by lessening baseline muscle tone and eliminating any trigger points that might be present. The second goal is to treat swelling, if present.
Self-Massage Before Stretching Improves Stretching Outcomes
This study validates the efficacy of performing massage before stretching our clients, and recommending self-massage before stretching for client self-care.
What are the self-care and medical approaches to spinal joint dysfunction?
As a rule, moist heat followed by stretching is beneficial for spinal hypomobilities, and strengthening is beneficial for regions of spinal hypermobility.
How do we treat spinal joint dysfunction with manual therapy?
Joint mobilization treatment (Grade IV or V) is the most effective treatment technique to remedy a spinal joint dysfunction hypomobility once it is present.
Neural Effects of Muscle Stretching on Local and Non-Local Muscles
Muscle stretching has inhibitory effects on spinal cord stretch reflexes in both stretched muscles and also non-local non-stretched muscles of the same leg.
How do we treat Whiplash with manual therapy?
A whiplash/neck sprain is problematic to treat because it involves overstretching of ligaments, which causes joint instability.
Static Muscle Stretching Reduces Muscle Contractile Force
This study proposes that static stretching causes a central nervous system neurophysiological response that results in diminished muscle strength.
What is the medical approach to wrist sprains, strains, and tendinitis?
The medical approach to wrist sprain/strain is usually to recommend rest, a brace, and non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Manual therapy and self-care treatment of wrist sprain, strain & tendinitis
A wrist sprain is challenging to treat with manual therapy because it is essentially an overstretching of ligaments, which causes joint instability.
What are the self-care and medical approaches to rotator cuff pathology?
Self-care for the client/patient with rotator cuff pathology depends on the specific muscle that is affected and the specific pathology that is present.
FREE DCOMT video – Stretching the Rectus Femoris Hip Flexor
Stretching all hip flexors, including the rectus femoris of the quadriceps group, is extremely important for clients with lower crossed syndrome.
Does stretching change the myofascial tissue itself?
Long-term stretching seems to occur mostly at a sensory level of the nervous system versus the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon complex itself.
Cardiovascular Responses to Skeletal Muscle Stretching
Emerging evidence suggests that short-term or long-term stretching exercise may have beneficial cardiovascular responses.
Can manual therapy alter the thoracolumbar fascia?
To believe that manual therapy cannot affect the structure of thoracolumbar fascia is to deny the fundamental characteristic of soft tissue known as creep!
What are the self-care and medical approaches to plantar fasciitis?
For the long term treatment of plantar fasciitis, the underlying cause of the overpronation (collapsed arch structure), if present, must be addressed.
How do we treat plantar fasciitis with manual therapy?
Manual therapy for plantar fasciitis is aimed at reducing inflammation & loosening any tautness/tightness of the plantar fascia & associated musculature.
What is the “True” Function of the Gluteus Medius?
The major function of the gluteus medius is its “reverse” closed-chain action of pelvic depression at the hip joint to stabilize the pelvis when walking.
How do we treat piriformis syndrome with manual therapy?
Manual therapy treatment for a tight piriformis (that can cause piriformis syndrome) involves moist heat, soft tissue manipulation, and stretching.
What are the self-care and medical approaches to treating a pathologic disc?
Self care for a herniated disc: avoid postures/activities that increase stress upon the disc and stretching/strengthening the musculature around the disc.
FREE DCOMT video – Communicating with the Client When We are Stretching Them
For manual therapy care to be successful, client communication is extremely important. This video explores who to effectively communicate with the client.
How do we treat patellofemoral syndrome with manual therapy?
Given the many possible causes of patellofemoral syndrome, following is a typical guideline for manual therapy treatment.
What are the self-care and medical approaches to Tennis Elbow?
Self-care for tennis elbow should include frequent stretching of the hand and fingers into flexion. If inflammation is present, icing should be done.
