Treating the legs with self myofascial release (SMR) tools - a myotherapist's perspective Self-myofascial release (SMR) has grown hugely in popularity and partly due to social media. Just as there are many forms of myofascial release (MFR), there is a huge variety of myofascial release tools on the market. As with most tools, each tool has a specific purpose by design. Equally, it is possible to use particular tools in different ways to achieve different intended outcomes. Professionals using soft-tissue therapy techniques, including (MFR) have historically used specific parts of the body to perform techniques on patients/clients. The development of many SMR tools came about by professionals looking to reduce loads and wear and tear on their bodies. However, the market for such tools within the professional therapist field is relatively small compared to the entire population. Hence, it is essential to understand the origins of such tools and the knowledge base behind their use and...

Neck Pain Treatment Neck Pain, much like Back Pain, is an age-old problem. However, there would appear to be increased incidences of Neck Pain, which appear to be partially attributable to our modern way of life. Terms such as “Text Neck” have also become popular, and the press has regular articles about smart devices and increasing incidences of neck-related pain. Admittedly, modern-day living for many people involves significant amounts of time using smart devices and minimal movement. Equally, neck pain can often coincide with shoulder pain, upper back pain and even tension or migraine-type headaches. The article “ Neck Pain - a Myotherapy perspective ” explains strategies to help avoid or limit the occurrences of neck pain and more. The information on this page was written by Terry Davis MChiro, GradCertMentHlth, BSc. (Hons), Adv. Dip. Rem. Massag., Cert. WHS. TotalMSK Clinic Brisbane Ethical MSK Therapy Clinic and Myofascial Release Specialist www.totalmsk.co.uk

Back Pain Treatment Back pain is an age-old problem and one which unfortunately most people will experience at some point in life. Episodes of back pain can vary, as can severity and possible cause. The human spine consists of a highly complicated combination of joint structures and soft-tissues. Pain-free and unrestricted mobility relies on each section of the spine, being able to move or function correctly. Overall movement within the spine relies on "coupled-motion", and each section has a direct impact on others within the spinal column. A restriction in one segment will impact segments above and below (see Biotensegrity article ), which may or may not result in pain or aching. The article Back Pain - A Myotherapy perspective explores this in more detail along with possible causes, symptoms and treatment options. The information on this page was written by Terry Davis MChiro, GradCertMentHlth, BSc. (Hons), Adv. Dip. Rem. Massag., Cert. WHS. TotalMSK Clinic Brisban...

Tissue Healing and Scar Tissue Although many people may not realise it, injuries and tissue healing have more relevance than just at the time of injury. Injuries, tend to create pain, which in turn the affects how one moves at the time of injury. In essence, our bodies adapt to allow us to move in a way that tries to avoid pain and yet enables us to survive. Such movement adaptions become learnt at the time of injury, during the healing phase and often long after healing has finished, effectively becoming normalised. Furthermore, when soft-tissues heal the process results in scar tissue, which is very different to the original tissue.  The combination of adaptation s and scar tissue can create changes in loads ( biotensegrity ) on other structures within the body. Unresolved trauma and changes in biotensegrity can frequently lead to other seemingly unrelated injuries sometimes years later. The full article on Healing, Adaption, Biotensegrity - A Myotherapy perspective explores ...

Relevance of Tissue Adaptation  Tissue adaptation is highly relevant to injury prevention, training, performance, injury rehabilitation and general musculoskeletal health. Tissues and structures within the body have different types of properties, based on function. The musculoskeletal system adapts to applied forces and as is tolerable. Equally, tissues and structures respond differently according to the types of force involved, speed of force, duration of force, the direction of force and more. Adaptations also have relevance for Biotensegrity and tissue healing . The full article about Tissue Adaptation - a Myotherapy perspective , contains far more detail about the process of musculoskeletal adaption. The information on this page was written by Terry Davis MChiro, GradCertMentHlth, BSc. (Hons), Adv. Dip. Rem. Massag., Cert. WHS. TotalMSK Clinic Brisbane Ethical MSK Therapy Clinic and Myofascial Release Specialist www.totalmsk.co.uk

Ankle Injuries and Treatment Most of us will have twisted our ankle at some point in life and to varying degrees of severity and probably thought nothing of it. The chances are that most people will have never even sought any form of treatment after the ankle injury either, except in the most severe cases. However, even relatively minor injuries can create adaptive changes to our mechanics and the way we move. Such changes, can frequently lead to other issues at a later date, be it weeks, months or years later. The full article about ankle inversion and eversion injuries - a Myotherapy perspective goes into far more detail about treatment options and the sorts of other issues that one may encounter due to unresolved trauma. The information on this page was written by Terry Davis MChiro, GradCertMentHlth, BSc. (Hons), Adv. Dip. Rem. Massag., Cert. WHS. TotalMSK Clinic Brisbane Ethical MSK Therapy Clinic and Myofascial Release Specialist www.totalmsk.co.uk

Plantar Fasciitis and Treatment Plantar Fasciopathy or Plantar Fasciitis tends to manifest as foot pain on the sole and near the heel bone (Calcaneus). Such pain can occur as a result of a specific or distinct injury or more often gradually over time. As with other Musculoskeletal related conditions, plantar fascia pain does not just impact highly active people. People living a sedentary lifestyle are very commonly affected by the condition, and this likely due to a combination of factors including adaptive tissue changes. Unfortunately, the tissues involved in this condition can be easily irritated during daily activities. In essence, the foot is always having to deal with applied forces, whether sitting or standing (more so when standing or moving). However, even though Chronic cases of the condition can be harder to resolve, it is still possible provided can identify and address the root cause of the problem. The full article about the  Plantar Fasciopathy or Plantar Fas...

Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) - Massage Balls and SMR tools Although many companies are advertising and selling various self-myofascial release products, there are limits to the usefulness of such products in a self-treatment context. Equally, if the wrong product or techniques is applied in the wrong context then one can actually make symptoms far worse. The article about self-myofascial release using massage balls and trigger point therapy explains some of the limitations of such methods in a self-treatment context. Unfortunately, anybody can design, sell or produce videos about such self-treatment products and with zero to some knowledge of the actual therapy techniques such products are trying to replicate.  The information on this page was written by Terry Davis MChiro, GradCertMentHlth, BSc. (Hons), Adv. Dip. Rem. Massag., Cert. WHS. TotalMSK Clinic Brisbane Ethical MSK Therapy Clinic and Myofascial Release Specialist www.totalmsk.co.uk

Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) and foam rollers As with other self-myofascial release techniques, there are limits as to what is achievable with a foam roller in a self-treatment context. There are times when using a foam roller would be contraindicated (not advisable), though there are lots of videos of people foam rolling almost every part of their body. One needs to understand that a foam roller is just one tool in a toolbox of self-treatment options. Massage and soft tissue therapists have multiple tools or techniques in the toolbox too, and part of their skill comes from knowing when to and when not to apply each tool. Symptoms can become far worse if the wrong tool is selected, or if one misuses the tool and foam rollers are no different. Unfortunately, it appears (based on on-line videos) that there is a lack of understanding concerning the actual massage therapy techniques that a foam roller is trying to replicate. The full article about self-myofascial release using a foa...