In physical therapy and chiropractic care, soft tissue work is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This type of therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as chronic pain, muscle tension, and injuries.
Soft tissue therapy can be performed using a variety of techniques, such as massage, stretching, and trigger point release.
It is often used in conjunction with other treatment modalities, such as physical therapy exercises and chiropractic adjustments. Soft tissue work can help to speed up the healing process and improve range of motion.
Soft Tissue Therapy Techniques
There are many different techniques that can be used for soft tissue work. Some common techniques include:
- Massage: Definitely the most well-known form of hands-on soft tissue therapy, massage is one of the most common and oldest forms of soft tissue therapy. It involves using pressure and strokes to loosen tight muscles and promote relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: Myofascial release therapy uses gentle, sustained pressure to release restrictions in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. It can help to relieve pain, increase range of motion, and improve flexibility.
- Trigger Point Therapy: This technique involves applying pressure to specific “trigger points” in the muscles to relieve pain and tension. It can help with treating “knots” or areas of muscle tightness.
- Graston Technique: This technique uses special rounded, handheld instruments to massage and break up scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles and tendons.
Conditions Soft Tissue Therapy is Used to Treat
In chiropractic care, soft tissue work is often used to treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions, such as neck pain, back pain, and headaches.
Chiropractors may use a combination of “hands on” manual adjustments and soft tissue work to treat patients who are dealing with bone/joint pain, muscle tension, and restricted range of motion in the back and spine.
However, soft tissue therapy can also be used to treat other conditions, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and carpal tunnel syndrome. Further conditions that soft tissue therapy is sometimes used to treat include:
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Chronic pain
- Muscle tension and spasms
If you are considering soft tissue work as a treatment option for your condition, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine if this type of therapy is right for you.
Chiropractor in Victoria, BC
At Continuum Health Centre in Victoria, BC, chiropractic care is a hands-on, non-invasive, and drug-free practice that safely and effectively helps relieve pain and improve the body’s overall function, using various treatments depending on an individual’s needs.
The chiropractors at Continuum enable our clients to live the active, pain-free lives they deserve. Our practitioners alleviate the discomfort that creeps into everyday life by treating neck pain, back pain, arthritis, certain types of headaches, injuries, and more.Each Continuum chiropractor specializes in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and developing care plans to keep our clients moving and pain-free and shares their insights with our integrated support team members. To learn more, call 1-778-433-7737 or click here to book an appointment online with one of our chiropractors.