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Orthopedic Massage
Article
The
goal of Orthopedic Massage is to induce a change in the structure and function
of the neuromusculoskeletal soft tissue to promote healing of the whole person.
Orthopedic Massage combines elements of myofascial release, neuromuscular
reeducation, soft tissue mobilization and muscle energy techniques taken from
the world of osteopathic medicine. One of the unique concepts at the heart of
Orthopedic Massage is that muscles, tendons and ligaments have a normal position
relative to the neighboring soft tissue and the joint they affect. If soft
tissue has a normal, specific alignment and placement within the body, relative
to the surrounding tissue, then injury, either as a result of accidents, sudden
impacts or strains, chronic postural problems or repetitive stresses, can cause
the soft tissues to fall out of correct placement and alignment. Orthopedic
Massage aims to correct alignment through the use of specific directional soft
tissue mobilization, active resisted contractions of the affected muscles
(Muscle Energy Technique) and joint mobilization.
When
receiving a treatment using Orthopedic Massage, the client receiving the
treatment is not completely passive, as would be the case in more traditional
deep tissue massage. Instead, the therapist works with the client in performing
specific isometric contractions of the affected muscles, a system known as
Muscle Energy Technique. Since these assisted contractions are in a specific
direction, habitual patterns of holding and involuntary spasms can more easily
be released. Having the client become aware of the contractions allows
strengthening of weak muscles that have been endorsed due to the overly tight
muscles that oppose their motion. Combining release of overly tight (hypertonic)
muscles and strengthening of weak muscles, the muscular tensions around a
specific joint are normalized, thus reducing pain and increasing awareness, both
conscious and unconscious.
When
doing soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release, the therapist will work
each muscle in the particular direction needed in order to correct the
positional dysfunction that is creating pain. For example, when the big muscles
along the spine in the back, the erectors, become very tight, they also shorten,
moving closer to the spine itself. Using Orthopedic Massage techniques, the
therapist would work to release this dysfunction by moving the muscle gently
away from the spine, freeing up the joints to move in a wider range of motion,
without pain. Often after a treatment, clients will report feeling
"lighter" as the joints no longer having irregular compressive forces
on them, allowing them to feel freer.
Along with work on the table, it is often very helpful
to have the therapist work with the client on stretches and exercises that can
be done at home or at work in order to help the client strengthen and release
the muscles around the tight and painful joints. In order to truly get all the
benefit possible out of your treatment time, home exercises and stretches are a
must. The client needs to be actively involved in their own recovery, reversing
the affects of poor posture or repetitive stresses created in the work
environment. The combination of MET and home stretching/strengthening is the
core of the neuromuscular reeducation. If you have an injury or chronic pain in
any joint or muscle, caused by an accident, or repetitive stresses, please call
us to schedule an initial evaluation and a series of treatments to relieve
yourself of these pains.
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