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.

 

A patient seeking blepharoplasty needs to meet certain criteria to have the procedure covered by insurance. This includes being in good health, avoiding excessive smoking and having realistic goals.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery can be a great option for those with excess skin around their eyes, especially for those wondering how to qualify for eyelid surgery Medicare. In some cases, it can even improve vision.

1. Consultation with a Surgeon

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, reduces excess upper or lower eyelid skin and improves droopiness around the eyes. It may also enhance peripheral vision in patients who have a visual field obstruction. During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss aesthetic goals and how to achieve them. You will also learn about surgical procedures, risks and complications, and recovery.

Your surgeon will also explain how to qualify for eyelid surgery medicare, the benefits of blepharoplasty, and what to expect, including whether or not it will address your concerns. You will also get a complete fee quote and discuss financing options if you need them

During your appointment, your surgeon will review your medical history and ask about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, or vitamins. It’s important to be honest and detailed with your surgeon because these substances can affect your surgery, recovery, or results.

You will meet the surgical team, including your primary nurse and patient care coordinator. They should make you feel comfortable and at home. If you have any questions or concerns, write them down and bring them with you to your pre-op appointment. Sometimes one consult isn’t enough, and new questions will arise as the information sinks in. In this case, schedule a follow-up visit to ensure you’re ready to proceed with the surgery. Ideally, this will be scheduled well in advance.

2. Medical Exam

Droopy eyelids are not only a cosmetic problem, but can actually interfere with vision. To qualify for insurance coverage, the sagging upper eyelids must be obstructing the patient’s field of vision. If they are preventing the patient from driving or using telecommunication devices, then it is considered medically necessary for Medicare to cover the procedure.

The first step is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is board certified and has experience in the procedure. During the consultation, the surgeon will examine your eyelids and assess your health history to determine whether you are a good candidate. They will discuss your goals and expectations for the results, as well. Dr. Dean White, an experienced plastic surgeon, can guide you through this process. For top-notch care and stunning results, book your consultation with Dr. Dean White at https://deanwhite.com.au today!

During the exam, a series of standardized photos will be taken. Additionally, the doctor will conduct a visual field test to see how much your droopy eyelids are impacting your sight. This information will then be submitted to the insurance company to determine if you can receive coverage.

There are several reasons to undergo blepharoplasty. The most common reason is to improve vision. However, you may also choose to get the surgery for aesthetic purposes such as reducing puffiness or removing excess skin around the eyes. You could even decide to have double eyelid surgery, which involves creating a crease in the upper lid that not everyone is born with.

3. Field Vision Test

A visual field test is a painless and quick procedure to determine how much peripheral (side) vision you have. Your doctor will use a machine to test how far up, down, left and right you can see. This helps your doctor diagnose and monitor conditions such as glaucoma.

Your provider will sit you about 3 feet away from a screen that has a target in the center. You will have to look at this target throughout the test while your provider moves a light spot in different areas of your visual field. You will be asked to signal whenever you see the light flashing. There are many types of visual field tests, but the most common are static perimetry and kinetic perimetry. These use blinking lights to show your doctors how well you can detect them with your peripheral vision.

Other testing might include the confrontation visual field exam, which measures how well you can see in the corners of your vision. This is usually done by a specialist who will either be a neurologist or an ophthalmologist with additional training in eye problems that originate in the brain, such as nerve damage. Your eyes may be dilated during this test to allow for a more comprehensive examination of the retina, macula and optic nerve. This will help to identify other causes of your loss of peripheral vision, such as excess skin (dermatochalasis), weakness and sagging of the muscle that opens the upper eyelid (ptosis) or heaviness and sagging of the eyebrow (brow ptosis). Your provider might also ask you to take a series of photographs from various angles of the eyes to compare them at different times.

4. Photographs

Blepharoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the eyes, which may also provide functional benefits for those with excess sagging skin around the upper eyelid. This surgery is also known as a “facelift for the lids.” In addition to enhancing facial contour and improving aesthetic appearance, this procedure can restore peripheral vision that is compromised by overhanging upper eyelid skin.

The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat, as well as redistribution of existing muscle or fat where necessary. Afterward, the surgeon will close the incisions with stitches. Following the procedure, patients should expect bruising and swelling that can last up to 2 weeks. Patients should follow aftercare instructions to promote proper healing, which typically includes applying ice packs and taking medications as directed.

In order for a physician to determine that eyelid surgery is medically necessary, visual field testing must be performed. This test shows if the patient has blind spots or obstructions in their peripheral vision. This test is required by Medicare as well as other private insurance payers.

For ptosis (blepharoptosis) repair, two sets of photographs are required to demonstrate the need for surgery. One set of photos should be taken in straight gaze to show that the upper eyelid is resting on the eyeslash line, while a second set of pictures must be taken with the upper eyelid elevated off of the forehead by tape to demonstrate persistence of ptosis.

Associate Professor Dean White
The Avani Building, Suite 1, Level 1/12 Nelson Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128
(03) 9895 7631
https://deanwhite.com.au

For those who need physiotherapy Epping, our team has become the premiere source of services for pain relief, rehabilitation and the treatment of a wide variety of injuries and chronic conditions. Services are available for children and adults and the practice conducts hours from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. for patient convenience.

We offer the same services for those who need a West Ryde physiotherapist. The practitioners at the clinics offer an extensive array of services to improve mobility and quality of life and reduce the risk of an injury occurring. A customized treatment and management plan is developed for each patient following an in-depth assessment that addresses the underlying cause of dysfunction.

Therapists have multiple techniques that can be used singly or in conjunction with other therapies, depending on the needs of the patient. A gait assessment provides clinicians with a valuable tool for identifying the source of improper techniques, bad habits, muscle imbalances, and poor posture that cause pain, dysfunction and can lead to chronic conditions if left untreated.

Exercise is the key to maintaining mobility, addressing neurological problems and keeping joints flexible. Conditioning and exercise programs are available to build endurance, strength and flexibility that includes clinical Pilates and specialised stretching programs for those recovering from injuries and post-surgical procedures.

Physiotherapy Marsfield and West Ryde physiotherapists provide manipulation and mobilisation for patients that don’t have the ability to move on their own or to retrain muscles in the proper way to move. Custom orthotic devices are available to ease pain, align the spine and address biomechanical issues.

Massage therapy and dry needling is beneficial for a wide range of patient needs. The techniques help improve sports performance, ease pain, improve circulation, and are especially beneficial for those with scar tissue. They’re valuable tools for anger management, weight loss and those who want to stop smoking.

We offer products for women’s health and provide therapies for those who have suffered injuries due to work or vehicle accidents. The clinics offer services for sports injuries, postural disorders, and pain anywhere in the body to restore function and improve the quality of life for children and adults.