Active myofascial techniques

Golgi tendon organ reflex. This is used in active myofascial techniques. When the tension on the tendon becomes extreme, the inhibitory effect from the Golgi tendon organ can cause sudden relaxation of the entire muscle. 

Reciprocal inhibition. This is used in active myofascial techniques with or without resistance. When a stretch reflex stimulates one muscle, it simultaneously inhibits the antagonist muscle e.g., if the stretch reflex excites the biceps, reciprocal inhibition inhibits the triceps. 

In active techniques, the patient assists the physician by actively contracting certain muscles under the guidance of the physician. There are two forms of active myofascial techniques. Active direct techniques are those in which the patient is asked to contract the involved muscle. These techniques use the Golgi tendon organ reflex to result in relaxation of the involved muscle(s). In these techniques, the physician applies isometric resistance to the contraction. (Isometric resistance The physician apphes resistance to the patient s contraction such that little shortening of the muscle is permitted but a great increase in muscle tension results.)... 

This chapter describes passive, direct active, and indirect active myofascial techniques used to treat cervical somatic dysfunction as well as muscle or fascial tension in the cervical region. These techniques may entail a passive linear or perpendicular stretch of the neck muscles or an active use of neuromuscular methods to create relaxation of the suboccipital and paravertebral muscles. 

Stretch reflex. The stretch of a muscle excites the muscle spindle mechanism, resulting in reflex contraction of that muscle. This is to be avoided when applying passive myofascial techniques to contracted or con-tractured muscles. It can be avoided by applying slow, even force and releasing that force slowly and evenly. However, the stretch reflex is to be used during active myofascial... 

Muscle spindle reflex. This is used in active resistive myofascial techniques. If the ex-trafusal fibers contract less than the intrafusal fibers, the muscle spindle will maintain a stretch reflex, further exciting the extrafusal fibers. 

FIG. 26-8 Active direct myofascial technique to suboccipital region with isometric resistance. 

FIG.37-14 Active direct myofascial technique for thoracolumbar muscles. Patient pushes arm toward ceiling while physician gives isometric resistance. 

A.L. was treated with general myofascial techniques to the entire spine passive and active were used. Spencer techniques were used to improve shoulder motion. Muscle energy was used to treat the cervical muscles and the lumbar muscles, as well as the trapezius. Fascial release was performed on the sternum and both scapulae. The first ribs were treated with counterstrain. 

This chapter describes the application of passive, active direct, and active indirect myofascial or soft tissue techniques to the lumbar region. These techniques may be used as the main part of the treatment or in preparation for the use of other osteopathic techniques,... 

Mrs. R. was admitted to labor and delivery and a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery was anticipated. Her first stage of labor was uneventful. She refused epidural anesthesia and reached full dilatation 4 hours after admission. During this phase of labor, her muscular back pain was treated with gentle myofascial stretching techniques. In general, obstetric patients in active labor tolerate these types of soft tissue techniques. However, as labor pain intensifies, patients may be unable to bear any manipulative treatment. This patient expressed relief of her muscular back pain but was unable to endure treatment of the sacrum and iliopsoas because of labor pain. 

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See also in sourсe #XX -- [ ]

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