Soft Tissue Release (STR)

Soft Tissue Release (STR), as the name implies, is a technique to release (unbound) various soft tissues (the fascia, muscles, ligaments, and tendons). It targets adhesive tissues and improves muscle flexibility, texture, and function by breaking down restrictive bonds.

Introduction
 
The intention behind a therapist’s touch is always to alleviate discomfort and facilitate healing for the client. Massage, as we know, brings comfort and relaxation on the physical, emotional level. It can also bring advancement on a spiritual level when the client engages their mind and attention consciously during the session.
 
There are various forms of massage where the client is just a passive recipient of the therapeutic touch of the practitioner. These are hugely beneficial and can be very effective but also have some limitations. These limitations can be easily overcome with the client’s participation by performing a contraction or another functional movement.
 
Soft tissue release (STR) engages the underlying tissues in an active way. It allows a very targeted approach towards releasing muscular tightness or addressing structural differences without aggravating existing trauma in the surrounding area.
 
Most injuries result in some soft tissue damage and residual scar formation as a result. These formations can cause localised restrictions. These restrictions can limit the range of motion, decrease local circulation, predispose to further injury, reduce flexibility, cause poor posture, and create muscular imbalances. In a normal, functional body part, the muscle fibres would be able to slide freely during contraction and the surrounding fascia would be unrestricted.
 
Overview
 
Soft Tissue Release (STR), as the name implies, is a technique to release (unbound) various soft tissues (the fascia, muscles, ligaments, and tendons). It targets adhesive tissues and improves muscle flexibility, texture, and function by breaking down restrictive bonds.
 
STR also helps to normalise muscular contractibility. This can improve strength by enabling better muscle-nerve communication and endurance by eliminating traction and resistance due to fibrous adhesions. This enables the muscle to lengthen and contract without inhibition. Both proprioception and co-ordination will be improved as a result.
 
STR is a versatile and effective tool that Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and Soft-Tissue Therapists use to accelerate healing. It is especially useful following periods of immobilisation from illness, injury or sedentary lifestyle. Various chronic postural deviations and the accompanying pain and dysfunction can benefit greatly by STR techniques.
 
Benefits
 
STR will bring a lot of the benefits normally associated with massage such as increase micro-circulation and improved lymphatic drainage. It also goes beyond that by:

• Addressing tightness in a targeted way and isolated muscle areas
• Reduces pain and hypertonicity by releasing the tissue
• Promotes better posture
• Detects build-up of adhesive tissue early, reducing the risk of future injuries
• Improves coordination and proprioception

 
The technique
 
In very simple terms, STR can be seen as a more targeted and more effective form of stretching. The advantage compared to stretching, however, is that STR can help improve the underlying muscle condition. A full range of motion during a normal stretch may be achieved by lengthening the fibres on either side of an adhesion somewhere along the muscle belly. With STR, the therapist identifies areas of congestion and targets them directly.
 
After locating the offending tissue, the muscle that is worked on is shortened. Next, by applying pressure to a particular area of the muscle, the therapist is creating a temporary new muscle ‘attachment’. Then, this segment is ‘locked’ and the associated joint is moved away to stretch the targeted muscle fibres and realign them.
 
The ‘lock’ must be kept throughout the whole movement. In most cases, the therapist would start with a broader area by pressing with the palm or a knuckle. After the initial release, the procedure can be repeated with a smaller and more precise pressure area applied with reinforced fingers or thumb.
 
‘Locking’ in combination with movement has a powerful releasing effect on the fascia and the muscle fibres. It is important to work systematically in order to cover the entire muscle area. This would facilitate a holistic release and soften the associated fibres. The results tend to be immediate and noticeable.
 
Additional considerations

•  ‘Lock’ angle. The idea of the ‘lock’ is to create a new temporary ‘false attachment’ to work away from. Therefore, it must be angled away from the moving joint. This set up provides resistance to the bound underlying tissue. As a result, there is a break-up of fibrous adhesions and re-alignment of muscle fibres. The angle of the ‘lock’ also needs to be oblique to the muscle. Direct 90-degree pressure must be avoided in order not to crush the muscle against the bone.

 

• The pressure needs to be applied slowly and progressively sinking into the muscle. It must be sufficient to provide a firm and consistent lock. If there is sliding or the tissue moves beneath the lock, the results will not be optimal. Without the stable ‘attachment’ created by a firm lock, the target tissue will move as a single ‘glued’ unit and the breaking and re-alignment will not be accomplished effectively.

 

• Gradual progression. The primary goal of STR is alleviating bound tissue that restricts movement. So, it is essential to work systemically through the area of concern by starting with a broad pressure and narrowing the focus if and when necessary. This is likely to reduce the discomfort for the client and accomplish better results. Attempts for pre-mature stretching can lead to muscle guarding and create additional tension and stress for the client.

 

• A stable, comfortable posture that allows sufficient use of body weight is absolutely essential for the therapist. In terms of execution, this enables a solid and consistent lock that is required for good results. From career longevity perspective, optimal biomechanics maintain the therapist’s wellbeing and protect them from injuries.

 
Types of STR

• Active – The client initiates and controls the movement. This is an effective technique that empowers the client by allowing them to control the pace of release. The therapist can focus all their attention on the lock.
• Passive – The client remains relaxed while the therapist controls the movement. This method requires less participation from the client and is slightly less effective than active STR. Also, because the client is not in control, there is the risk of significantly exceeding their comfort zone. It is important to maintain good communication with the client to ensure the application is safe and effective.
• Weight-bearing – The standing to mimic the actual movement that would be performed.

  
Contraindications
 
STR is a powerful tool that can be used on its own or integrated into a bodywork session. As with every other technique, it has some contraindication that must be observed to safeguard the client and the therapist. The following list is essential but not comprehensive:

• Recent trauma, osteoporosis, hypermobility,
• Very high/low blood pressure, varicose veins, pulmonary oedema, heart problems
• Contagious skin conditions, diabetes, first trimester of pregnancy 

So, if you are after an effective release of tight or bound muscles, consider giving STR a try.