Recovering from a new or old muscle strain (minor or severe) can take longer than anticipated due to the fact that the Autonomic Nervous System quickly adapts a 'guarding pattern' that contracts the muscle tissues surrounding the injured site to limit full range of motion while the compromised tissues heal. Resting an injury is very important at the beginning of the healing process (when pain & swelling are present), but this AUTOMATIC guarding pattern can get 'stuck' in the nervous system response, which can hinder the continued healing process, creating pain and muscle imbalances.
Flex & Stretch Mobility Therapy is designed to promote continued healing by disrupting old guarding patterns, while the client performs small, isometric muscle contractions to quickly improve range of motion & strength.
Techniques used in treatment:
*Massage Therapy: Relaxes the nervous system and prepares the body for deeper therapy.
*Gentle Myofascial Scraping: Irons out 'sticky' myofascial tissue to improve muscle glide & decreases inflammation.
*Vibration Therapy: Temporarily desensitizes painful tissues to improve range of motion.
*Trigger Point Therapy: Applying constant pressure to muscle fibers that are in a constant shortened state (guarding), improves the brain's connection and function to these dysfunctional muscle fibers when combined with Isometric muscle contractions, explained below.
*Isometric Muscle Contractions with resistance:
Gently contracting & relaxing 'guarded muscle fibers' within a small range of motion, can quickly improve
muscle fiber length (stretch) and strength (flex) without pain, which can speed up the recovery process.
The small, muscle contractions are performed with the client lying comfortably on the massage table during a massage session. As therapy progresses, treatment can also be performed with the client fully clothed on the table to incorporate more dynamic movements, that require the client to wear leggings and a t-shirt for comfort.
*Home exercises:
Clients are given simple, yet effective exercises to perform at home, between therapy sessions, to help restore muscle balance and function.
