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:
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
Types of STR
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:
So, if you are after an effective release of tight or bound muscles, consider giving STR a try.
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Martin Stefanov PetkovMaster your Super Power Archives
October 2019
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