Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism claimed for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in treating scar tissue?
What is the primary mechanism claimed for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in treating scar tissue?
Which technique involves using an instrument made of metal, plastic, or stone to directly stimulate fascia?
Which technique involves using an instrument made of metal, plastic, or stone to directly stimulate fascia?
Which cross friction massage technique is performed with the force applied perpendicular to fiber orientation?
Which cross friction massage technique is performed with the force applied perpendicular to fiber orientation?
Which of the following is a potential neurophysiological effect of soft tissue mobilization techniques?
Which of the following is a potential neurophysiological effect of soft tissue mobilization techniques?
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During a stretch opposite muscle line of force, how long should you hold the stretch?
During a stretch opposite muscle line of force, how long should you hold the stretch?
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Which of the following is a common indication for employing soft tissue mobilization?
Which of the following is a common indication for employing soft tissue mobilization?
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What is the primary reported effect of soft tissue mobilization according to current evidence?
What is the primary reported effect of soft tissue mobilization according to current evidence?
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Which technique involves gentle, broad strokes to promote relaxation and circulation?
Which technique involves gentle, broad strokes to promote relaxation and circulation?
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Which condition is considered a contraindication for soft tissue mobilization?
Which condition is considered a contraindication for soft tissue mobilization?
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Which technique is used to decrease tension and involves deep pressure and rhythmic kneading?
Which technique is used to decrease tension and involves deep pressure and rhythmic kneading?
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When performing trigger point therapy, up to what level is the pressure typically applied?
When performing trigger point therapy, up to what level is the pressure typically applied?
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What precaution should be considered while performing soft tissue mobilization?
What precaution should be considered while performing soft tissue mobilization?
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What is the most reliable method for identifying trigger points?
What is the most reliable method for identifying trigger points?
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Study Notes
Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization is a manual therapy technique focused on soft tissues.
- It's used to address pain, muscle guarding/spasm, ROM limitations, scar mobilization, fluid mobilization, and muscle stimulation.
- Short-term improvements in pain, ROM, and function are possible.
- Mechanisms involve neurophysiological effects, yet high-quality evidence for more than transient tissue changes is lacking.
- The technique involves "talking to the patient's nervous system through your hands." (Modern Pain Podcast)
Objectives
- Understand indications and contraindications for soft tissue mobilization.
- Demonstrate ability to perform common soft tissue mobilization techniques.
Mechanisms, Indications, and Contraindications
- Mechanisms: Claims to break fascial restrictions and scar tissue lack evidence. Evidence suggests increased fibroblast activity and neurophysiological effects.
- Indications: Pain, muscle guarding/spasm, ROM limitations, scar/fluid mobilization, and muscle stimulation are common uses.
- Contraindications: Skin conditions (open sores), infections, fever, suspected DVT/clotting disorders, phlebitis, active bruising, and congestive heart failure.
Precautions
- Altered skin sensation
- Immune system disorders
- Around fracture or joint instability
Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques
- Overview: Techniques include effleurage, petrissage, trigger point, pin and stretch, cross-friction.
- Effleurage: Gentle, broad strokes for relaxation, circulation, and warming up tissues.
- Petrissage: Deeper pressure, kneading, slow, rhythmic strokes to reduce tension/spasm and modulate pain.
- Trigger Point Therapy (AKA Trigger Point "Release"): A "hyperirritable spot" in a skeletal muscle, painful on compression or stretch, causing referred pain. Palpation is unreliable. Tenderness and pain reproduction is more reliable.
- Trigger Point Therapy (Steps): Find the painful band, apply tolerable (5-6/10) pressure, hold until discomfort eases (30-60 seconds), increase pressure (5-6/10), and repeat 2-4 cycles.
- Pin and Stretch: Trigger point pressure with a stretch in the opposite muscle line of force, holding for 5-10 seconds, relaxing for 2-5 seconds, and repeating 5-10 times.
- Cross Friction Massage: Applying force perpendicular to the tissue fiber orientation (using stacked fingers) in a "strumming" motion to treat hypersensitive connective tissues.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- IASTM uses instruments like Graston, ASTYM, Gua Sha, or scraping tools (metal, plastic, or stone).
- May stimulate fascia and fibroblasts.
- Instruments enhance vibratory perception and make changes in the tissue's texture easier to distinguish.
- Claims of breaking fascial restrictions and scar tissue lack evidence, but some evidence relates to increased fibroblast activity.
- Techniques involve brushing, sweeping, fanning, and strumming.
Techniques
- Techniques like brushing, sweeping, fanning, and strumming enhance the effects of soft tissue mobilization.
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Description
This quiz covers the principles and techniques of soft tissue mobilization, focusing on its mechanisms, indications, and contraindications. Understand how these manual therapy techniques can enhance pain management and improve range of motion. Test your knowledge on the evidence supporting these practices.
