Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques Research Articles

Manual treatment of post-whiplash injury

Abstract Introduction : There are many therapeutic approaches aimed at treating the clinical syndrome resulting from whiplash injury. However, there seems to be little agreement between therapists as to the ideal treatment for these patients. Spinal manipulation/mobilization and soft tissue mobilization techniques are manual therapies commonly used in the management of neck disorders. The aims of the present paper are to detail a manual approach developed by our research group, to help in future studies of the management of the sequels to whiplash injury, and to suggest explanations for the mechanisms of this protocol. These manual approaches are considered by the authors to be more effective than conventional physical therapy in the management of whiplash patients. Vertebral manipulations : The biomechanical analysis of whiplash injury showed that upper cervical manipulation, cervicothoracic junction manipulation, thoracic spine manipulation, and pelvic girdle manipulation are the major areas requiring such treatment, for beneficial outcomes to be assured. Although the exact biological mechanisms underlying the effects of spinal manipulation are not clearly understood, there are previous papers justifying most methods used in the current experimental protocol. Soft tissues manipulation techniques : The soft tissues techniques used in this protocol were neuromuscular technique in paraspinal muscles, muscle energy techniques in the cervical spine, myofascial release in the occipital region, and myofascial trigger point manual therapies as required. Clinical dissertation : The definition of spinal joint dysfunction (hypomobility) implies that muscle shortening is involved. This suggests that manual treatment of persons suffering from whiplash injury requires the treatment of muscular and fascial shortening, as well as the treatment of spinal joint dysfunction, when appropriate.

Treatment of eight patients with frozen shoulder: a case study series

Objective: To review the therapeutic outcome of using soft tissue mobilization (STM) treatment techniques in combination with a home exercise programme to treat eight patients with a differential diagnosis of frozen shoulder. Methods: Eight patients with frozen shoulder were seen in a National Health Service (NHS) outpatient physiotherapy clinic and treated using a combination of STM techniques and a therapeutic home exercise programme. Patients were seen for an average of 10 (SD=2) visits over a mean of 14 () weeks. The primary outcome measures of improvement were active range of motion for shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation. Results: All patients improved significantly in the outcome measures. Mean improvement in shoulder flexion was 37° (; P=0.0001); shoulder abduction 47° (; P=0.0004); and for shoulder external rotation, 21° (; P=0.006). Conclusions: Treatment of soft tissue restriction in combination with therapeutic exercise may be a useful approach to this recalcitrant problem. Further work in the form of controlled studies are needed to compare this approach with other methods of treatment and to elucidate the ideal frequency and duration of treatment.

A Multi-Structural Approach to Treatment of a Patient With Sub-Acromial Impingement: A Case Report

Sub-acromial impingement is a condition commonly seen by physical therapists, however little evidence is available regarding the efficacy of this treatment. This case report describes the use of manual therapy and exercise, using a multi-structural approach to manage this condition. The subject was a 48-year-old retired physiotherapist complaining of recurrent shoulder pain during daily activities, although her daily function was not limited. Passive joint mobilization techniques of the cervical spine, costovertebral joints, and the glenohumeral joint as well as soft tissue mobilization techniques of the rotator cuff muscles were used. Exercises were prescribed to “set” the scapula in an optimal position and to facilitate and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. After two treatments, the patient consulted an orthopaedic surgeon due to imminent decrease in funding for her treatment and a cortisone injection was administered. This decreased her pain immediately by 90%. However, two months later she attended three further physical therapy treatments because of recurrence of the pain. Six months after these treatments she was still pain-free. This case illustrates that physical therapy can be effective in the treatment of sub-acromial impingement, using a multi-structural approach to treatment.

Chronic ankle pain and fibrosis successfully treated with a new noninvasive augmented soft tissue mobilization technique (ASTM)

Chronic ankle pain and fibrosis successfully treated with a new noninvasive augmented soft tissue mobilization technique (ASTM)

Rehabilitation after fractures of the hand

Rehabilitation after a hand fracture begins during the early phases of fracture healing and continues until skeletalintegrity and hand function are restored. The rehabilitation plan is tailored according to the stage of healing. The emphasis of therapy during the early reparative stage of healing is on edema control, pain management, preservation of motion at the uninvolved joints, protective splinting and positioning to prevent disruption of fracture healing, and to prevent joint contracture. The next phase of therapy begins when clinical healing is present and emphasizes the active mobilization of the joints immediately adjacent to the fracture that were incorporated in the cast or splint. Tendon gliding exercises are also stressed at this time to restore flexor and extensor tendon excursion. The final phase of therapy begins when the fracture is well healed. The focus of therapy at this time is the development of strength and hand function and the resumption of activities of daily living and work tasks. General rehabilitation techniques appropriate for all hand fractures include positioning and splinting, edema and pain control, joint and soft tissue mobilization techniques, and tendon gliding and strengthening exercises.

Rat tendon morphologic and functional changes resulting from soft tissue mobilization.

Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTM) is a new non-invasive soft tissue mobilization technique which has been used successfully to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ASTM therapy on the morphological and functional characteristics of enzyme induced injured rat Achilles tendons. Four groups of five rats were allocated as follows: (A) control, (B) tendinitis, (C) tendinitis plus ASTM, and (D) ASTM alone. Collagenase injury was induced, and the surgical site was allowed to heal for 3 wk. ASTM was performed on the Achilles tendon of groups C and D for 3 min on postoperative days 21, 25, 29, and 33 for a total of four treatments. Gait data were gathered prior to each treatment. The Achilles tendons of each group were harvested 1 wk after the last treatment. Specimens were prepared for light and electron microscopy, and immunostaining for type I and type III collagen and fibronectin was performed. Light microscopy showed increased fibroblast proliferation in the tendinitis plus ASTM treatment group. Although healing in rats may not translate directly to healing in humans, the findings of this study suggest that ASTM may promote healing via increased fibroblast recruitment.

Soft-tissue Mobilization Techniques for the Hand Therapist

Soft-tissue mobilization (STM) is a system of manual techniques employing low-load, long-duration forces applied in approximation, traction, and torsional vectors to improve mobility between overlying and adjacent connective tissue layers throughout the body. The purpose of this article is to present the theory of STM as related to the properties of wound healing and of adaptive shortening of soft tissue, to describe the general principles of four STM techniques, and to detail specific application of STM techniques in the treatment of a disorder related to a longfinger extensor digitorum communis laceration and its repair.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques for the Geriatric Client [Videotape

Book Review| Online January 01 1993 Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques for the Geriatric Client [Videotape] Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques for the Geriatric Client [Videotape]. Lynn Phillippi, MS, PT ( 1991). MJ Therapy and Associates, Inc., Suite 104, Racine, WI 53406. 30 min., $39.95. Carol A. Mobley, OTR/L Carol A. Mobley, OTR/L Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Author & Article Information Online Issn: 1943-7676 Print Issn: 0272-9490 Copyright © 1993 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.1993 The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1993, Vol. 47(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.47.1.90a Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Carol A. Mobley; Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques for the Geriatric Client [Videotape]. Am J Occup Ther January 1993, Vol. 47(1), 90. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.47.1.90a Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentThe American Journal of Occupational Therapy Search Advanced Search This content is only available via PDF. Copyright © 1993 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.1993 Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.