Soft Tissue Release

Soft tissue release is a massage technique that is used to assess and stretch soft tissues. Stretching is most commonly used to ease pain caused by muscle tension and to realign the body so it functions more optimally. Unlike generalised stretching, soft tissue release targets specific areas of tension within a muscle, muscles which are difficult to stretch and allows the isolated stretching of muscles that would usually be stretched as a group, such as the hamstrings. Individuals that would benefit from soft tissue release include:

• those that regularly take part in sport and exercise
• those recovering from musculoskeletal injuries
• those who maintain a static posture for long periods of time
• treatment for medial and lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitus, shin splints and tight hamstrings
• treatment for increase muscular tension, scar tissue and trigger points

Myofascial Release

Myofascial technique is a method used to stretch and soften fascia and connective tissue that may be causing tightness, restrictions, adhesions, pain and dysfunctions within the musculoskeletal system. This is a hands-on technique which involves a slow and sustained pressure to allow the fascia to relax and stretch.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to areas of tenderness and hypersensitivity located within muscles and connective tissue to deactivate them and relieve pain. Trigger points manifest as a result of trauma, postural imbalances and repetitive movements. These points are consistently tender when at rest and, sore when compressed and refer pain and discomfort around the local area. Symptoms are experienced as numbness, tingling, aching or burning.

Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)

Muscle energy techniques are a tool to strengthen weak muscles, restore normal muscle tone, increase joint mobility, improve circulation, musculoskeletal function, and overall well-being. The individual contracts specific muscles against a resistance applied by the therapist, who guides the position and direction of the movement. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a form of treatment to make movement easier, relating to the sensory receptors that give information concerning body movement and body position, involving nerves and muscles. The aim is to mobilise the clients untapped movement reserves, usually to increase muscle strength and length.

Exercise Therapy

The purpose of rehabilitation after injury is to restore muscle tissue, ligaments and tendons function to the best possible form after injury. A major part of rehabilitation, specific to those physically active is exercise therapy.

Exercise therapy, aims to develop an exercise plan or series of activities to achieve a specific therapeutic goal. This form of treatment is client specific and has the purpose of restoring normal musculoskeletal function and to reduce pain caused my injury.

At loominous sports therapy a range of techniques and equipment are used when developing client specific plans, including;

• Muscle stretching exercises to increase flexibility and joint range of motion
• Plyometric exercises to improve strength and stretch reflex
• Resistance training involving a combination of static and dynamic contractions