Myofascial release techniques

Richter, Philipp, and Eric Hebgen. Trigger Points and Muscle Chains in Osteopathy. New York Thieme, 2009. Examines trigger points (sore points) which are essential in the manipulation that takes place in osteopathy. Examines myofascial release techniques and other hands-on methods. 

This technique uses a modification of indirect myofascial release techniques, enhanced by placing the region in the neutral position and adding a facihtating force of compression or torsion. The advantage of this technique is its ease of application and speed of response. In addition, if the desired results do not occur immediately, it may be repeated or other methods of treatment can be added. 

Counterstrain is a myofascial release technique originally described as "spontaneous release by positioning." A tender point is noted on palpation and the region or entire bo is positioned into freedoms for the pittpose of shortening mnscles. The positions ate typicahy held for 90 to 120 seconds or imtil a mobile point reaction is noted. Snbseqnent tissne softening and/or reduced tenderness ate noted. 

Osteopathic treatment Is aimed toward keeping the palmar fascia as free as possible the metacarpophalangeal and proximal Interphalangeal joints should be mobilized to prevent secondary joint immobilization and tethering of the flexor tendons. Myofascial release techniques and stretching is useful. Surgical Intervention may be required. 

The primary focus of the initial treatment was to perform a full evaluation for primary and secondary sites of somatic dysfunction. Although the primary concern of the patient was the cervical region, it was important to correct any structural problems affecting the other parts of the body. Soft tissue and muscle energy techniques were complemented with moderate velocity-low amplitude (MVLA) techniques except for the cervical spine, where myofascial release techniques were the primary modality used. Trapezius inhibition techniques were performed with a compression myofascial technique to the right trapezius. 

R.T. was treated with osteopathic manipulation. He received soft tissue myofascial techniques to the neck and upper back. The somatic dysfunctions were treated with facilitated positional release techniques, as was the first rib. The T3-4 somatic dysfunction was also treated with high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusting technique. 

The child was treated with the Galbreath technique bilaterally, myofascial release to the cervical spine, lymphatic pump to the thorax, and cranial treatment of the temporal bones and release of the condylar compression. 

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... 

This technique is a combination of myofascial ligamentous release and articulation of both the knee and ankle joints. It is especially useful when both the knee and ankle joints of the same leg are involved. It is designed to improve motion without a thrust. 

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. 

Osteopathic manipuiation was added to her treatment pian. The muscle hypertonicity was treated with passive myofascial techniques and facilitated positional release. The somatic dysfunctions were treated with muscle energy, facilitated positional release, and balanced ligamentous tension. Rib-raising was used to induce adequate lymphatic drainage and normalize sympathetic tone. 

Myofascial soft tissue treatment with counterstrain and muscle energy techniques may relieve the facial pain associated with Bell s palsy. The occipitomastoid compression should be released and the temporal bone assisted into normal internal/external rotation. Normal lymphatic flow should be assured by correcting dysfunctions of the cervical spine, cranial motion, and sacrum. C3 should always be evaluated and any dysfunction corrected. 

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