Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a highly specialized stretching technique used to aid the adjustment in restoring joints' range of motion by focusing on fascia, a type of connective tissue that covers organs, muscles, and other soft internal structures. When these structures become tightened and shortened, they do not allow for normal joint function. Therefore, the doctor will very often address the soft tissues along with the joints.
Trigger Point Therapy
A trigger point, or knot in the muscle, often develops alongside joint and neurologic problems. When a muscle stops moving through its normal range of motion, a knot may form where the normal waste created by the muscle burning energy begins to build up instead of being flushed away. These trigger points may be latent or active. A latent trigger point only hurts in the area that it has formed. An active trigger point refers pain, numbness or tingling into another area. For example, a common active trigger point is found at the base of the skull and can refer pain around to the front of the head and behind the eyes. Trigger point therapy is aimed directly at these trigger points through direct and deep pressure or muscle stripping.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Sometimes, injury or repetitive stress creates fascial restrictions (think scar tissue from those stitches you once had), within the muscle, tendons or ligaments. These restrictions need a more specific and assisted technique. To address these areas, the doctors may use instruments that are designed to effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. This is an excellent technique that has prevented many risky or ineffective surgeries.