Chiropractic Soft Tissue Mobilization: HMT, GRASTON, ART
One of the primary focus of Dr. Justin McLeod is the soft tissue component of injuries. Soft tissues are: muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, fascia, and nerves. The treatment of these structures is known as soft tissue mobilization. When trauma occurs, whether it is a single traumatic event or repeated microtrauma, inflammation follows. The inflammation leads to scar tissue formation within the muscle and between the muscles and the other layers of connective tissue. This scar tissue formation decreases the ability of the muscle to lengthen and contract normally, which leads to a decrease in range of motion. This effect can be very specific within a muscle or can affect the muscle groups very broadly leading to faulty bio-mechanics that are dysfunctional and inefficient. The scar tissue can also cause pain and can predispose you to re-injury. Additionally, pain can lead to muscle guarding in order to protect the injured area, if prolonged guarding occurs the muscle can loose it's normal length. The purpose of soft tissue mobilization is to restore the normal texture, tightness, flexibility, and function to the affected tissue. It includes several techniques such as Acupressure Point Therapy (HMT), Active Release Technique (ART®), myofascial release and Graston.
HMT
Accumulation of tension in muscles, fascia and tendons manifests as hypersensitive myofascial reflex points know as trigger or acupressure points. These points act as circuit breakers and when overloaded with excessive tension can produce local or referred pain. There are approximately 700 acupressure points on the human body. These points are released by deep intermittent digital pressure to a reflex point in a specific direction causing a form of "depolarization. This leads in immediate pain relief and restoration of function allowing the soft tissue to become more flexible and pliable. In the videos below; Tobe Hanson the creator of HMT explains the systematic approach to find the most important points to release.
Graston Technique
The Graston Technique incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function. Skilled clinicians use the stainless steel instruments to comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body. Scar tissue limits range of motion and in many instances causes pain; which prevents the patient from functioning as they did prior to the injury.
The Graston Technique instruments are used to enhance the clinicians ability to detect adhesions, scar tissue, or restrictions in the affected areas. Skilled clinicians use the stainless steel instruments to comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up scar tissue so that it can be absorbed by the body.
More info at: www.grastontechnique.com/
Active Release Technique (ART®)
ART® is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART®.
Treatment involves instructing the patient to move through a range of motion while applying a gentle sustained pressure into the tissue in order to lengthen and eliminate restrictions. This will help to restore motion and eliminate pain. Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils or lotions. This enables the accuracy to detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.
Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.
More info at: www.activerelease.com.