When people think of injuries they usually think of damage to the bones and joints but don’t consider the damage that is done to the soft tissues that support the bones and joints.  The soft tissues I refer to consist of muscle, ligaments, tendons and fascia. 

Soft tissue injuries can usually be classified as an acute injury (trauma that causes injury instantly) or repetitive micro trauma injuries (repeated minor injuries to the same area that result in a significant injury over time).  When the body repairs soft tissue injuries it forms scar tissue or fibrous adhesions (a mass of tissue made up of collagen and fibrin that fills a tissue gap created by cell death or trauma) in the injured area of soft tissue. 

The problem arises when the repair tissues are not laid down in the same direction or in a smooth fashion like the original soft tissues.  This new tissue helps to stabilize the soft tissue and strengthen the injured area but it can also inhibit the normal function of the tissue due to the added tension and decreased flexibility.  Decreased function will cause pain and inflammation at and around the injury site which can continue to cause pain after the healing is complete.  The normal soft tissue function can be restored with the correct soft tissue manipulation or myofascial release technique. 

The goals of soft tissue techniques are to break apart or release the adhesions that have built up in the injured area to increase range of motion and restore normal function.  As the adhesions are released the injured area will be able to function more efficiently and will alleviate tension and pain.  There are a variety of techniques used to obtain this goal.  Some techniques do this by stretching the injured tissue while pressure is applied to the tissue to break apart the built up adhesions.  Another technique uses specialized instruments that are designed specifically to break apart the adhesions.  These instruments are effective in locating and treating adhesions when they are used by someone with proper training.  Massage is another popular treatment for general muscle tension but it is not always specific enough to get the results one is looking for.

If you are suffering from continued pain following an injury you may need soft tissue manipulation to reduce soft tissue dysfunction.  Call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Gabriel Caraway Chiropractic Physician to let him determine if you can benefit from soft tissue therapy.