Massage & Bodywork

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020

Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1191154

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 101 of 116

Ta k e 5 a n d t r y A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 99 4 5 The therapist's right hand braces the distal metatarsal bone while the finger and thumb slowly distract, extend, and rotate the client's proximal phalanx bone. The therapist's right hand braces the distal metatarsal bone while the finger and thumb glide the MTP joint up and down (dorsal and plantar glide). ASSESS AND TREAT I've found the simple "grind test" very helpful in assessing for hallux limitus and rigidus. If the therapist is able to extend the client's toe but pain or a crunchy noise is reported as the first MTP joint is compressed, hallux limitus may be suspected. Conversely, if pain or grinding is reported and the joint resists extension (even at mid-range), advanced hallux rigidus osteoarthritis could be the culprit. Once I've identified a painful or immobile MTP joint, I begin to address it by performing graded exposure stretches to all lower leg, ankle, and foot musculature to increase flexibility and decrease reactive spasm. Next, I perform the following three myoskeletal mobilization techniques: long axis extension-rotation, dorsal and plantar glide, and abduction-adduction (Images 4–6). SUMMARY Limited first-toe extension leads to altered mobility at the talocrural joint. If the ankle can't dorsiflex properly, the Watch "Addressing Big Toe Mobility" knee and hip will not fully extend. The result is decreased hip flexor flexibility and repeated extension-rotation of the lumbar spine. This is a prime example of how a kink in a lower extremity can affect structures further up the kinetic chain. Myoskeletal therapy employs low-force stretching maneuvers to reduce symptoms and improve MTP joint function. We are encouraging the body to move rather than forcing it to do so, as forcing movement causes the brain to layer the area with protective muscle guarding. Along with manual treatments to improve MTP mobility, it's essential to assign self-care exercises to help maintain the gains and further increase first-toe range of motion. Clients spend the majority of their time outside the clinic, so they must share responsibility for locking in the changes. I've found clients are more likely to perform playful exercises, such as bouncing on a mini trampoline, hiking, and ankle rocking. The act of rocking in all directions with the feet dorsiflexed is one of the best and easiest ways to fully restore function of the feet, ankles, knees, and hips synchronously—the way they're designed to work. Give these assessment and treatment options a try in your own practice to help clients who present with stiff and painful hallux limitus and rigidus. Notes 1. Bryant Ho and Judith Baumhauer, "Hallux Rigidus," EFORT Open Reviews 2, no. 1 (January 2017): 13–20, https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.2.160031. 2. Philip Greenman, "Exercise as An Adjunct to Manual Therapy" (class notes, Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1992). Erik Dalton, PhD, is the executive director of the Freedom from Pain Institute. Educated in massage, osteopathy, and Rolfing, he has maintained a practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for more than three decades. For more information, visit www.erikdalton.com. 6 The therapist's right hand braces the distal metatarsal bone while the finger and thumb abduct and adduct the client's proximal phalanx bone ( joint translation).

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Massage & Bodywork - JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020