Soft tissue & manual therapy
These methods are used by multiple professions. The goal is to induce a force on tissue to help it heal faster with the correct fiber orientation. It works on the fascia (covers all muscles and organs), muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Description:
Instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM) uses a tool with a beveled edge to help apply a smooth and consistent force along the tissue. It can be used on multiple large and medium size muscles as well as small intrinsic musculature.
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Description
Active cupping uses cupping while performing an exercise to help the muscle and fascia glide along each other throughout an active movement. It allows the doctor to be more pin point on the exact tissue that needs the stimulus.
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A form of therapy that adds stress to muscles and ligaments to impose specific demands. This entails a variety of treatments such as, mobilizations, end range loading, post-isometric relaxation, and contract relax stretching.
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Description:
Specific hands on therapy that applies load to muscles, tendons, and ligaments to improve healing and decrease spasms. It is commonly combined with movement/exercise.
Research:
Seffrin CB, Cattano NM, Reed MA, Gardiner-Shires AM. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: A Systematic Review and Effect-Size Analysis. J Athl Train. 2019 Jul;54(7):808-821. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-481-17. Epub 2019 Jul 19. PMID: 31322903; PMCID: PMC6709755.
Li JQ, Guo W, Sun ZG, Huang QS, Lee EY, Wang Y, Yao XD. Cupping therapy for treating knee osteoarthritis: The evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017 Aug;28:152-160. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.06.003. Epub 2017 Jun 8. PMID: 28779923.
Cho J, Lee E, Lee S. Upper cervical and upper thoracic spine mobilization versus deep cervical flexors exercise in individuals with forward head posture: A randomized clinical trial investigating their effectiveness. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2019;32(4):595-602. doi: 10.3233/BMR-181228. PMID: 30584118.
Kim JH, Lee HS, Park SW. Effects of the active release technique on pain and range of motion of patients with chronic neck pain. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(8):2461-2464. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.2461