Soft Tissue Techniques Flashcards

Which instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) tool characteristic is most important for effectively treating deep fascial adhesions in the lower extremity?

Answer: Tool rigidity and beveled edge design

Beveled edge design and tool rigidity allow IASTM instruments to transmit mechanical force through superficial layers to effectively treat deep fascial adhesions.

Active Release Technique (ART) for the peroneal muscles requires the patient to move the foot from which position to which position during tissue contact?

Answer: Plantarflexion/inversion to dorsiflexion/eversion

ART on peroneals involves contact tension while the patient actively moves from plantarflexion/inversion (shortened position) to dorsiflexion/eversion (lengthened position).

When performing myofascial release on the IT band, the primary reason for using slow, sustained pressure rather than rapid strokes is to:

Answer: Allow the viscoelastic tissue to creep and remodel

Sustained pressure exploits the viscoelastic property of fascia, allowing time-dependent creep and plastic deformation that rapid strokes cannot achieve.

Cross-fiber friction applied to the rotator cuff tendons at the shoulder is contraindicated acutely because it may:

Answer: Exacerbate inflammation and disrupt early healing tissue

During the acute inflammatory phase, cross-fiber friction increases local inflammation and can disrupt the fragile fibrin matrix of early tissue healing.

Trigger point referral pain from the infraspinatus muscle most commonly radiates to which area?

Answer: Anterior shoulder, arm, and radial forearm

Infraspinatus trigger points classically refer pain anteriorly to the shoulder, down the arm, and into the radial forearm, often mimicking rotator cuff pathology.

The Graston Technique emboldens clinicians to treat areas where they detect a 'STAR' sign, which stands for:

Answer: Soft tissue, Texture, Asymmetry, Range of motion

The STAR sign in Graston Technique assessment involves evaluating Soft tissue quality, Texture changes, Asymmetry, and Range of motion restrictions.

When treating plantar fasciitis with soft tissue techniques, which approach best addresses the fascial continuity from the plantar foot into the posterior chain?

Answer: Treat plantar fascia, intrinsic foot muscles, and continue along the superficial back line into the gastrocnemius-soleus complex

The superficial back line connects the plantar fascia through the gastroc-soleus and hamstrings, so addressing the entire fascial chain yields superior outcomes.