Myofascial Release in Today’s Dynamic Rehabilitative Landscape
By: Ryan Palkoner, PT, MPT, Cert ART, Cert DN, CKTP
There’s been a dynamic shift in the past decade regarding the varying methods/types of Myofascial Release. This comes as a result of Physical Therapists becoming more specialized in their field through advanced schooling, fellowship programs and new techniques that have been perfected with the goal of increasing efficiency and effectiveness. In order to adapt and compete in an ever changing rehabilitative environment, it is imperative that we continue to improve our methods and techniques through continuing education.
With so many types of myofascial manual therapy out there, it is important as clinicians to ensure efficient and effective outcomes with what we’re using in our daily practices. While a variety of these soft-tissue techniques exist, Active Release Techniques (ART) has emerged as the gold standard of myofascial release techniques. Combining ART with current concepts in Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and kinesiology taping techniques can provide you with a powerful treatment paradigm that will help you attain the kind of outcomes we’re all seeking to reduce chronic pain and increase mobility in a variety of patient populations.
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. It’s an advanced system of manual treatment and diagnosis for soft tissues resulting from: cumulative trauma disorders, repetitive strain injuries, postural strain, sports injuries and general wear and tear. By combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements, abnormal tissues are treated in an extremely efficient and effective manner which leads to fast results!
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) has been accomplished by using a multitude of methods over the years. The technique of using a stainless steel or plastic implement to perform a scraping technique has been well researched and provides a significant amount or trigger point reduction, collagen realignment and pain relief. With a dynamic shift involving a reduction in pressure when performing this technique, outcomes have increased in effectiveness and the technique is more readily accepted by patients since it has become more comfortable.
Kinesiology Tape has become an extremely common treatment technique due to its adaptability for use when treating a multitude of conditions and patients. The use of kinesiology tape enhances the therapists rehabilitative process both when is the clinic and in between treatment sessions. Kinesiology tape decompresses the interstitial space between the muscle and fascia which decompresses nocioceptors, blood vessels and lymphatic drainage channels. We use this flexible tape for pain mitigation and neurosensory input to enhance patient outcomes.
Become a leader in your community and the go-to person that can fix a variety of musculoskeletal problems through the use of cutting edge techniques. Learn how to create a treatment paradigm that will change your mindset and enhance your patient outcomes.
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