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MANUAL THERAPIES
LIGHT TECHNIQUES
Light/gentle techniques are used initially to encourage circulation and increase tissuepliability before deeper techniques commence.
Light strokes offer a relaxing effect and helps to manipulate superficial fascia.
Techniques include effleurage, skin rolling, squeezing and myofascial release techniques.
STIMULATORY TECHNIQUES
Stimulatory techniques such as tapotement cause repetitive reflex contractions within targeted muscle to awaken the muscle and to increase muscle tone. These techniques are therefore greatly effective in preventing muscle loss when patients are non-ambulatory.
Techniques within tapotement include hacking, cupping and slapping.
DEEP TECHNIQUES
Deeper techniques are used once the tissue is warm. These techniques allow for more targeted manipulation to specific areas such as tigger points and scar tissue.
Techniques include trigger point therapy, deep effleurage, cross fibre massage and compression.
ELECTROTHERAPIES
LASER THERAPY
Laser or photobiomodulation (PBM) is used for pain relief and stimulation of cells. This works by blocking pain signals, modulating inflammation and stimulating cells by the light reaching a cells mitochondria allowing cells to create energy and enhance function.
Effective for trigger points, wound healing & osteoarthritis
TENS
Transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS) provides pain relief by preventing brain messengers which carry pain signals such as substance P to be released by increasing opioids such as endorphins.
Effective for providing pain relief particularly to the back such as kissing spines.
PEMF
NMES
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) creates an artificial muscle contraction which mimics/generates the same cellular effects of a normal muscle contraction. This modality induces repetitive cycles of in-voluntary contraction and relaxation.
Effective for muscle loss/wastage or reduced muscle mass.
HOT/COLD
Heat therapy works up a thermal gradient into targeted tissue to induce vasodilation (relaxation of blood vessels) leading to increased blood flow. Meanwhile, cold therapy works down a thermal gradient by drawing heat away from an area to inducing vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) to reduce blood flow.
Both provide pain relief. Cold reduces inflammation & heat improves circulation to an area.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
K-taping is a supportive therapy which works through decompression to reduce muscle tightness, stimulate lympahtic flow by reducing restrictions within the circulatory system and offers pain relief by reducing pressure on nerves.
Various designs can be used and tailored based on the aim for its use.
The fascial edge tool has been innovativley designed to support the work of manual myofascial release. It helps to reduce restrictions within fascia on a superficial and deep level.
The tool helps release fascia in various areas including around bony prominence, along the back, around joints and in muscles harder to get too (e.g. behind the elbow.)
REMEDIAL EXERCISE
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