Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1417136
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 33 BENEFITS AND EFFECTS OF JOINT MOVEMENT Whether as a technique within a massage session or as part of a self-care routine, joint movement can have vast and profound benefits and effects. For starters, tissues that hold joints in place are either stretched or slackened during joint movement application, either of which can cause a sigh of relief. These surrounding tissues are encouraged to balance and maintain healthy range of motion. As we move about in our daily lives, patterns develop, especially in the centralized areas around the joints where movement originates. Reminding those tissues of their optimum state of being helps to unwind those patterns and encourage health. Also, the muscles that cross the joint can perform more effectively and efficiently. In joints that have sustained injury, tissues might become adhered. To some extent, we need to honor that since this response is intended to provide support to the weakness that results from the injury. However, it's common to armor the injured area by not moving it as fully as it is capable, and further rigidity results. When we move the joints gently, slowly, and mindfully, we help break up the unnecessary tissue buildup that comes from injury and encourage only the portion of scar tissue that is necessary to support the weakness. Joint movement also encourages the production of synovial fluid, which is what lubricates our joints. It's like getting maintenance on your car that includes topping off fluids that might be low. It is simple maintenance that has dramatic long-term benefits. In other words, you're far more likely to have more freedom and minimized pain for years to come. Lastly, the various types of range- of-motion techniques can be highly informative to the practitioner. Here's a snapshot. Passive. This approach to range of motion, which is performed by the practitioner while the client remains relaxed, allows the practitioner to assess inert tissue (any tissue that is unable to contract, such as ligaments) as well as contractile tissue at end feel (at the end of the stretch). When a client is not engaging their contractile tissue, the quality of the inert tissue is more apparent. In other words, the contraction of muscle doesn't overshadow what lies beneath. In addition, when the contractile tissue is inactive or relaxed, the practitioner can more easily recognize restriction that is not a result of contraction. All of this informs how the practitioner might proceed. Active. This approach, which involves having the client actively demonstrate the range of motion in a particular joint, helps the practitioner evaluate a client's broad functional capacity. In other words, what range the client is capable of in relation to the given degree of range that a healthy joint is capable of. Again, this informs how a practitioner might proceed. Resisted. This approach involves asking a client to resist your attempt to gently move a body part in a particular range of motion. They perform a movement, and you push against it. A practitioner can gather information on a client's muscular strength, Given all these benefits and effects, why aren't more practitioners engaging in these techniques? What I've observed from students while teaching joint movement techniques is that they are scared to perform them. Read more about incorporating movement therapies into your bodywork practice in "Combining Manual & Movement Therapies" by Dr. Joe Muscolino in the November/December 2020 issue of Massage & Bodywork (page 56). which is especially useful post-injury as a client works to rebuild strength. These are only a few of many physical benefits. WHY AREN'T THEY USED? Given all these benefits and effects, why aren't more practitioners engaging in these techniques? What I've observed from students while teaching joint movement techniques is that they are scared to perform them. There are two primary reasons for the fear: communication and coordination.