Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release

Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release, Second Edition, is a practical guide to understanding and applying soft tissue release (STR), including how it can be used to deactivate trigger points and maximize patient outcomes of treatment and rehabilitation. Whether you are a student or a professional, the detailed instruction and numerous photos will help you gain proficiency and confidence in applying these techniques.

Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release thoroughly explains the differences between the three types of STR—passive (clients do not help), active-assisted (clients and therapists work together), and active (clients do it on their own)—and provides step-by-step descriptions for performing each type. This edition incorporates new content on how soft tissue release may be used to deactivate trigger points, aiding in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Additional updates include the following:

• More than 150 new photographs and 21 new anatomical illustrations

• Guiding arrows overlaid on photos to show the direction in which to apply pressure

• Illustrations of trigger points found in 21 muscles

• New descriptions of the use of active-assisted STR on the iliotibial band (ITB), infraspinatus, biceps brachii, and triceps

• New sections describing how to apply active STR to gluteals, trapezius, scalenes, rhomboid, and pectoral muscles

• Instruction for applying passive STR to shoulder adductors

• Case studies providing examples of how STR was used with four clients with differing problems

Complementing each technique are information on the key holds, moves, and stances for various muscles and handy reference charts indicating the types of clients and situations for which each technique is particularly useful. The full-color photos depict the locks and stretches, while some of the more difficult techniques are accompanied by photos showing the position of the therapist and a skeletal overlay on the client so you can pinpoint the specific muscle being targeted. The book also explains how to use alternative options—such as massage tools and forearms, fists, and elbows—to protect your hands and thumbs from overuse. Tip boxes offer practical comments on applying the techniques, while Client Talk boxes provide insight into real-world situations.

Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release also shows you how to incorporate the proper techniques into a treatment program. It guides you through the consultation process and provides examples of initial questions to ask clients and various assessment forms to use in identifying clients’ needs. Using case studies and comparisons, you will learn how the data gleaned from clients can guide the design of an effective treatment program.

Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release, Second Edition, is part of the Hands-On Guides for Therapists series, developed to provide the best clinical and educational resources available for those in bodywork professions.

Audience

Reference for students and practitioners of massage therapy, physical therapy and physiotherapy, athletic training and athletic therapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic.

Part I. Getting Started With Soft Tissue Release

Chapter 1. Introduction to Soft Tissue Release

Who Should Have Soft Tissue Release

How Soft Tissue Release Works

Where to Perform Soft Tissue Release

When to Perform Soft Tissue Release

Benefits of Soft Tissue Release

Soft Tissue Release and Trigger Points

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Chapter 2. Preparing for Soft Tissue Release

Using Your Body to Apply STR

Using Tools to Apply STR

Consultation With the Client

Caution and Safety Issues

Three Methods of STR

Measuring the Effectiveness of STR

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting Tips

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Part II. Soft Tissue Release Techniques

Chapter 3. Passive Soft Tissue Release

Introduction to Passive Soft Tissue Release

Key Holds, Moves and Stances for Passive STR

Safety Guidelines for Passive STR

When Is Passive STR Indicated?

Using Passive STR to Treat Trigger Points

How to Become Proficient in the Use of Passive STR

Quick Questions

Chapter 4. Active-Assisted Soft Tissue Release

Introduction to Active-Assisted Soft Tissue Release

Key Holds, Moves and Stances for Active-Assisted STR

Safety Guidelines for Active-Assisted STR

When Is Active-Assisted STR Indicated?

Using Active-Assisted STR to Treat Trigger Points

How to Become Proficient in the Use of Active-Assisted STR

Quick Questions

Chapter 5. Active Soft Tissue Release

Introduction to Active Soft Tissue Release

Key Holds, Moves and Stances for Active STR

Safety Guidelines for Active STR

When Is Active STR Indicated?

Using Active STR to Treat Trigger Points

How to Become Proficient in the Use of Active STR

Quick Questions

Part III. Applying Soft Tissue Release

Chapter 6. Soft Tissue Release for the Trunk

Rhomboids

Pectoralis Major and Minor

Levator Scapulae

Upper Trapezius

Erector Spinae (Upper)

Scalenes

Quick Questions

Chapter 7. Soft Tissue Release for the Lower Limbs

Hamstrings

Calf

Foot

Quadriceps

Tibialis Anterior

Peroneals (Fibulari)

Gluteals

Iliotibial Band (ITB)/Vastus Lateralis

Iliacus

Quick Questions

Chapter 8. Soft Tissue Release for the Upper Limbs

Triceps

Biceps Brachii

Shoulder Adductors

Infraspinatus

Wrist and Finger Extensors

Wrist and Finger Flexors

Quick Questions

Part IV. Soft Tissue Release Programmes

Chapter 9. Creating a Soft Tissue Release Programme

Initial Questions

Client’s Medical History

Using a Body Map

Measuring Subjective Sensations

Postural Assessment

Range of Motion and Other Special Tests

Programme for Treatment

Case Studies

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions