Soft Tissue Mobilisation

Stretching and deep pressure are used in Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) to break up stiff muscular tissue, reduce muscle tension, and transfer fluids trapped in the tissues that cause pain and inflammation. Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains and sprains, are treated using STM. It falls under the category of manual treatment. Soft Tissue Mobilization helps to enhance range of motion by relaxing stiff muscles, decreasing scar tissue, and extending and lengthening fascia.

Soft Tissue Mobilization is a safe and effective conservative treatment for back pain, neck discomfort, ankle sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder impingement, and knee and hip pain. Stretching and STM are used by professional physical therapists at 360 Physical Therapy & Wellness to assist injured muscles, tissues, and ligaments recover faster and regain function.

The following are examples of Soft Tissue Mobilisation:

• Strain-Counterstrain: This is a passive posture technique that helps to reduce muscle, joint, and tissue stiffness. To relax the soft tissue and reduce pain and stiffness, your professional physical therapist will locate particular pain areas and hold the posture for 90 seconds to 3 minutes.
• Graston Technique: To treat scar tissue, the Graston Technique employs a specifically constructed stainless steel tool. This unique technique provides for a quicker recovery. The Graston treatment for low back pain has been shown in studies to relieve pain and increase range of motion.
• ASTYM: A specialised plastic tool is used to accelerate the breakdown of scar tissue, promoting regeneration and enhanced muscle and joint function. Muscle tightness, reduced flexibility, and range of motion limits can all be caused by scar tissue. Because it lowers inflammation, ASTYM has been shown to be a particularly effective treatment for chronic tendinitis and bursitis.
• MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage): This is a type of soft tissue mobilisation that employs particular manual hand movements that follow anatomical lymphatic routes, assisting in the transfer of fluid and improving circulation. For headaches, migraines, swollen legs, and more, try manual lymphatic drainage.
• Manual Traction: Manual traction for sciatica, bulging or herniated discs: Manual traction for sciatica, bulging or herniated discs is an effective method of manual treatment for those with back pain. It's a sort of decompression therapy that helps to ease back stress. Manual traction is a brief application of pressure to the spine that stretches the spine and relieves pressure on the lumbar discs. It can also be used as a rapid, unexpected thrust.
• Myofascial Release / Trigger Point Therapy: Myofascial release is a soft tissue manual therapy used to address chronic muscular discomfort and immobility. Myofascial release aims to alleviate pain by releasing tension and tightness in the painful areas. It's a sort of massage that's also referred to as "deep tissue work." More information can be found here. (Read about Myofascial)
• Cross friction: This method of manual therapy tries to keep soft tissue components including ligaments, tendons, and muscles mobile and prevent scarring. It's a targeted, localised deep tissue massage that must be delivered transversely (cross) to the pain source. Cross friction massage aids in the healing process by lowering pain and repairing connective tissue.