Soft Tissue Release is a clear, concise, and practical book that guides you in understanding and applying the three types of soft tissue release (STR): passive (clients do not help), active assisted (clients and therapists work together), and active (clients do it on their own). Rather than focus on the specific purposes of soft tissue release, this text provides basic information about the therapy and prepares readers to perform the techniques. The result is a text that professionals and students in massage therapy, physiotherapy, and osteopathy will find invaluable.
Soft Tissue Release thoroughly explains the differences between the three types of STR by providing step-by-step descriptions on performing each type along with the key holds, moves, and stances for various muscles. The descriptions are accompanied by handy reference charts indicating the types of clients and situations in which each technique is particularly useful. Complete instructions explain how to apply STR to various parts of the body"the trunk, the lower limbs, and the upper limbs"and detail the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Numerous full-color photos depict the locks and stretches.
The book also explains how to use alternative options"such as massage tools and forearms, fists, and elbows"to protect the hands and thumbs from overuse. Tips sidebars provide short, practical comments on applying the techniques, while Client Talk boxes share the authors experiences and provide insight on situations that a therapist is likely to encounter. Each chapter ends with Quick Questions to test knowledge of the information, and answers are provided at the end of the book. A quick-reference photo index allows readers to look up techniques based on the clients position"prone, supine, sitting, or side lying"and find the page number for the complete instructions for that technique.
Finally,
Soft Tissue Release shows how to incorporate the proper techniques into a treatment program. The book guides readers through the consultation process and provides examples of initial questions to ask clients and various assessment forms that therapists can use in identifying clients needs. Using case studies and comparisons, the book shows how the data gleaned from clients can guide the design of an effective treatment program.
Soft Tissue Release will help the STR techniques come alive through its clear, detailed instruction and the numerous photos showing the techniques being applied by professionals. Whether you are a student or a professional, Soft Tissue Release will help you gain proficiency and confidence in these techniques.
Contents
Part I. Getting Started With Soft Tissue Release Chapter 1. Introduction to Soft Tissue Release
Who Should Have Soft Tissue Release?
How Does Soft Tissue Release Work?
Where Can Soft Tissue Release Take Place?
When Should Soft Tissue Release Be Done?
Benefits of Soft Tissue Release
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Chapter 2. Preparing for Soft Tissue Release
Equipment Required
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 TechniquesChapter 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?
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?
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?
Quick Questions
Part III. Applying Soft Tissue ReleaseChapter 6. Soft Tissue Release for the Trunk
Rhomboids
Pectorals
Levator Scapulae
Upper Trapezius
Erector Spinae (Spinalis)
Scalenes
Quick Questions
Chapter 7. Soft Tissue Release for the Lower Limbs
Hamstrings
Calf
Foot
Quadriceps
Tibialis Anterior
Peroneals
Gluteals
Iliacus
Quick Questions
Chapter 8. Soft Tissue Release for the Upper Limbs
Triceps
Biceps
Wrist and Finger Extensors
Wrist and Finger Flexors
Quick Questions
Part IV. Soft Tissue Release ProgrammesChapter 9. Creating a Soft Tissue Release Programme
Initial Questions
Client Medical History
Assessments
Range of Motion and Other Special Tests
Programme for Treatment
Case Studies
Closing Remarks
Quick QuestionsAudiences
Text for massage therapy, physiotherapy, and osteopathy students; also a reference for professionals in these areas. Fitness instructors, sport coaches, sport therapists, chiropractors, and other body workers may also find this book beneficial.
Jane Johnson, MSc, is director of the London Massage Company in London, England. As a chartered physiotherapist and sports massage therapist, she has been using and teaching soft tissue release (STR) for many years and has a thorough grounding in anatomy, which she uses to explain STR in straightforward terms. She has worked with numerous client groups, including athletes, recreational exercisers, office workers, and older adults; this experience has enabled her to adapt STR for various types of clients and provide tips for readers. Johnson has taught advanced massage skills for many years and has worked as a fitness instructor, massage therapist, and physiotherapist. She frequently presents STR at conferences and exhibitions for therapists.
Johnson is a full member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and is registered with the Health Professions Council. She is a consultant and examiner in sports massage for the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists and is a member of the Institute of Anatomical Sciences. In her leisure time, she enjoys writing articles and newsletters for therapists, taking her dog for long walks, and visiting museums and exhibitions relating to human sciences.
Author: Johnson, JanePublication Date: 04-05-2009
