Soft tissue therapy can help with pain, function, and overall muscular and skeletal health. Muscles can present tension from poor posture, a strain or sprain, traumatic injury, or just every day tasks. This tension can produce pain, tenderness, and create movement dysfunction.
Soft Tissue Structures include:
- Muscles: a bundle of tissue within the human body that has the ability to contract, producing movement or maintaining the position of other bodily structures
- Ligaments: a short band of tough, flexible tissue which connects bones, cartilage, and joints
- Tendons: a flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone
SOFT TISSUE THERAPY
What is Soft Tissue Therapy?
- Soft tissue therapy includes mechanical forms of therapy where soft tissue structures are pressed and kneaded, using physical contact with the hand or a mechanical device.
- Soft tissue therapy helps increase local blood flow and recovery by helping clear damaged cells, supply tissues with oxygen and nutrients, as well as assist in tissue healing.
This hands-on therapy is a specialized approach to help relieve pain, decrease stiffness and dysfunction, as well as improve the affected area’s range of motion.
Common Soft Tissue Injuries and Treatments
The most common types of soft tissue injuries include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These include but are not limited to:
- Sprains – caused by overstretching or tearing of a ligament
- Strains – caused by overstretching or overexerting a tendon or muscle
- Contusions (bruising) – caused by direct impact on the body which damages the surface of the skin and deep tissues
- Tendinitis – inflammation or irritation of the tendon
- Bursitis – irritation to the bursa (fluid sacs between the bone and soft tissue)
Some of the soft tissue treatments include:
- Soft Tissue Release – to target specific “knots” within a muscle group and release tension
- Myofascial Release Therapy – fascia is connective tissue surrounding every organ, including muscle. Helps to increase tissue flexibility and joint mobility
- Trigger Point Therapy – tender knots within the body is called a trigger point, and when compressed, the pain or discomfort can radiate to other muscles. Helps to alleviate pressure and pain and increase recovery