Massage Therapy-Palpation of Muscles and Tendons

1. Massage Therapy Palpation of Muscles and Tendons Physiobodyandsole.com.au

2. Majority of physicians considers palpation as one the most effective method of assessment in massage therapy. Just by feeling the tendons, ligaments and muscles of the body, expert physiotherapist can easily detect joint stiffness and knotted fibrous tissues. To check the level of effectiveness in helping the patient to recover, this method is applied constantly throughout the whole treatment process. • Underlying principles and key indicators in palpating specific tissues are described as follows:

3. Dysfunctional Tissue Layers Palpation includes checking to find out for any changes in the temperature and in normal tissues, also the oedema presence. It is also called as dropsy in which build-up of fluids in different areas of the body causes abnormal puffiness or swelling of the skin. Pitting oedema develops when the swollen skin is pressed and indentation or imprint remains. It results due to either wearing constricted clothing or tight socks. On the other hand, non-pitting oedema or fluid retention in ankles, feet and hands occur after lymph-node surgery or in pregnancy because of hyperthyroidism.

4. There will an acute inflammation of an organ or limb, when the skin of a particular area feels more feverish than the rest of the body. If low temperature is diagnosed, then it also means that there is a problem with the flow of blood in that particular area. • Assessment of changes in tissues largely depends on the area of palpation. The Physio moves one hand on the skin, checks for moistness or dryness and take note of the texture. In general, muscle tissues are firmer and tighter than subcutaneous tissue. The problem may be a ropey fibrous tissue or a hard pea-shaped area that starts the pain.

5. Not only the muscle tissues get knots, lymph nodes will get swollen, feeling rubbery and soft. These are small in size, but are common indicators of problems related to tissues that your Physio may encounter. A soft tissue massage or a remedial and sports massage therapy will surely help to loosen the kinks from the tight muscles. • Shoulders and back of the body are areas where the formation of tightly bundled muscle fibres occurs. The muscles may seem like almost immovable or less elastic while tendons will seem like trapped between muscles like firm cords. Also, the joints will fell thicker and swollen than normal.

6. Assessing Muscles and Joints In any therapeutic treatment, safety should always be given priority. Physiotherapists always implement different types of test before initiating any physical contact or advising any particular type of massage therapy. First, the Physio will make a detailed observation of the patient’s gait and stance. Second, the patient is asked to make different types of body movements such as resistive, active, and passive range of motion tests. It is recommended that you should always visit and expert and experienced Physio Willoughby is the place where you can easily find a renowned foot and ankle Physio who can help you by healing your pain or injuries.

7. Thank You Oxygen Fitness and Pilates 67 Lithgow St, St Leonards. 2089. Please call 0290998087 http://www.physiobodyandsole.com.au Parking in Lithgow St all day 200m walk from Railway Station