Chapter 1
IN THIS LESSON
Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) is a manual therapy technique that involves manipulating and promoting the movement of soft tissues such as fascia, muscles, and tendons.
There are two types of STM: passive and active.
Passive STMsDuring passive STMs, the therapist uses one hand to perform compression, effleurage, petrissage, or decompression on the soft tissues.
With the other hand, the therapist moves the client's body or limb in a way that lengthens the targeted muscle or fascia under pressure.
Passive STMs require a good understanding of what actions cause muscles to shorten or lengthen.
Active STMsIn active STMs, the client engages in the movement themselves.
Before engaging in active STMs, the client should first be exposed to passive STMs to familiarize themselves with the movement.
The difference between passive and active STMs is that the client actively performs the movement that the therapist would typically do in a passive STM.
Active STMs take advantage of a neuromuscular reflex called Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) to downregulate hypertonic or overactive muscles.
RI automatically inhibits the alpha motor neuron of the opposing muscle, allowing the desired movement to occur.
Knowing antagonistic muscle pairings and the actions that cause a muscle to lengthen is important in active STMs.
When to use eachPassive:
Passive STMs are best used in spa settings or sessions where relaxation is the primary goal.
They do not require any engagement from the client.
Passive STMs are ideal for familiarizing the client with the movement and providing a comfortable experience.
Active:
Active STMs are suitable for seasoned or returning clients who have been exposed to passive STMs.
Clients who prefer "deep" or "heavy" work may find active STMs more desirable.
Active STMs are beneficial in a rehab setting where corrective or therapeutic exercise follows the therapy session.
Athletes or athletic populations often prefer active STMs because it relates therapy to movements they frequently perform in their activities or sports.
What can STMs be used for? STMs are best for a temporary increase in range of motion.
They can also reduce pain from trigger points and increase tissue layer slide and glide. When applied appropriately, both active and passive STMs modulate (aka change) the sensory input of the movement, decreasing perceived pain and stiffness which may be limiting the range of motion.
STMs can:
Increase Range of Motion
Decrease Perceived Stiffness
Increase Sensorimotor Communication
Decrease Pain Intensity
Reduce Trigger points
Induce Thixotropy
Increase Layer Slide and Glide