Advanced Electrotherapy Techniques in Osteopathy and Physiotherapy
In osteopathy and physiotherapy, advanced electrotherapy techniques are pivotal for enhancing patient care and therapeutic outcomes. Techniques such as Muscle Energy Technique (MET), Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, and Strain/Counterstrain Technique offer targeted approaches to improving joint mobility, relieving pain, and restoring tissue balance. This article explores these innovative modalities and their applications in promoting holistic, personalised care for musculoskeletal health.
Muscle Energy Technique
Muscle energy technique (MET) is a widely used manual therapy approach in osteopathy and other manual therapy disciplines. It involves using the inherent forces of the patient’s muscles to improve soft tissue mobility and reduce articular restrictions.
MET is used by osteopaths to restore the body’s ability to maintain normal tissue balance, reduce pain and enhance general wellbeing. Its principles are based on the osteopathic model of structure-function relationships.
There are 9 physiologic principles of MET; joint mobilisation by muscle force, autogenic inhibition, reciprocal inhibition, crossed extensor reflex, isokinetic strengthening, isolytic lengthening and post-isometric relaxation. Osteopaths rely on a palpation skill called ‘tissue feel’ to identify the best muscle energy techniques for each case. The osteopathic concept of tissue feel describes the texture, tone, tension and movement characteristics of tissues based on their pathophysiological response to a physical intervention. The techniques used can include compression, traction and twisting maneuvers that address static and dynamic movement barriers.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is used to help reduce pain and improve movement patterns by stretching and loosening the connective tissue around muscles, called fascia. When fascia is tight it can put pressure on nerves, muscles and joints causing pain. Myofascial release is an osteopathic technique that is guided by the philosophy of Dr. A.T. Still that the body has the innate ability to self-heal when it is free of restrictions.
This technique involves identifying and treating the patterns of fascial restriction using techniques of compression, traction, shearing, and twisting maneuvers to break up abnormal cross-linkages and restore independent mobility to fascial compartments. It enhances the body’s innate restorative powers by improving circulation and nervous system transmission.
It is often combined with other manual osteopathy techniques performed at an osteo clinic such as Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Kinesio taping which allows for an integrated approach to musculoskeletal care. Adding these innovative modalities underscores the osteopathic commitment to providing patients with comprehensive and individualised treatment.
Craniosacral Technique
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on bodywork technique that improves lymphatic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, and blood circulation to stimulate improvement in the physical body and reversal of many health-related conditions. It works to reconnect the body-mind complex, improving function and diminishing pain.
The craniosacral mechanism pumps fluid that is produced in the brain, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), throughout the fascial network of your body to lubricate joints, muscles, organs and all cells. It also carries healing properties from bodily traumas and injuries.
What would eventually become known as cranial osteopathy began with an osteopathic student, Dr. William Sutherland, who discovered that skull bones are designed to move in relationship with one another. His discovery led to early craniosacral research, and today, osteopathic practitioners who work with the cranium, sacrum and coccyx are considered a part of the craniosacral therapy community. This is a different approach from osteopathic manipulation. It involves a light touch, and the patient typically remains fully clothed.
Strain/Counterstrain Technique
Developed by Lawrence Jones, DO, Strain/Counterstrain Technique is one of the more gentle techniques in OMT. It is an osteopathic manual therapy that puts muscles and joints in comfortable positions. It is designed to restore a normal tissue length and reduce myofascial pain and tension.
Unlike muscle fibers that have the ability to contract and elongate, fascia fibers are programmed to respond to severe stress or trauma by shortening as a protective response. When these protective mechanisms are used too often, it can lead to a chronic condition referred to as myofascial pain syndrome.
Strain Counterstrain is a safe, gentle hands-on approach to treating myofascial pain and chronic neck or back pain. It works by interrupting the neural signal created by pain and inflammation at the spinal cord and brain stem level. This decrease in neurological activity allows the body’s tissue to return to a normal length thereby decreasing and eliminating the pain. It is a non-invasive, patient-friendly treatment that shows results in many conditions such as fibromyalgia and scoliosis.
Innovations in Patient Care
The integration of advanced electrotherapy techniques used by osteopaths and physiotherapists at Excel Body & Health represents a significant advancement in musculoskeletal care. By harnessing techniques like MET, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, and Strain/Counterstrain, practitioners not only alleviate pain and restore mobility but also uphold the holistic principles of individualised treatment. These modalities underscore a commitment to enhancing patient well-being through comprehensive, effective, and patient-centered therapeutic approaches.