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 87 using soft fingers, fists, or forearms to create a rapid length change in the agonist muscle's extrafusal fibers (Images 5 and 6). This, in turn, stimulates intense firing of the intrafusal fibers, which are valiantly trying to maintain a constant length- tension relationship with the muscle being stretched. By moving in all directions across the muscle belly, the Spindle-Stim maneuver triggers a mild stretch reflex that helps protect the muscle from injury. I've found that stimulating this stretch reflex not only aids in strengthening the weak agonist muscles by restoring resting tone, but also facilitates improved communication between the inhibited muscle and the client's nervous system. In the beginning, this fast stretch produces a relatively short- lived contraction of the agonist muscle and inhibition of the antagonist muscle. However, over a series of sessions, these effects appear to last longer, particularly when clustered with graded exposure stretching techniques and specific home retraining advice. Notice in the Spindle-Stim technique descriptions (Images 5 and 6) that I also make use of movement enhancers, such as forced inhalation-exhalation and slow pelvic-tilting maneuvers, to boost the therapeutic effect. Instead of focusing on getting the tight muscles to relax, the idea here is to persuade the weak muscles to tighten and contract properly. This increases joint stability by reciprocally The therapist's left hand braces the client's sacrum as she actively extends the leg as high as possible. The therapist then records range of motion. relaxing the hypercontracted spastic muscle, thus affording better overall muscle balance. BREAKING THE CYCLE Failure of the smooth self-regulating function of the muscle's sensory receptors may result in a catch-22 cycle, as faulty postural alignment initiates righting reflexes that trigger muscle spasm and mechanically alter spinal joint motion. As hyperexcited joint and ligament mechanoreceptors initiate protective splinting, some muscles overwork and others become neurologically inhibited, as seen in Janda's cross syndromes. This results in reduced mobility, excessive energy consumption, exhaustion, and—if the brain perceives threat—pain. In an effort to break this dysfunctional cycle and help clients heal, try the Spindle-Stim technique coupled with graded exposure stretching and an appropriate home retraining plan. 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 erikdalton.com. 3 4 5 6 With the client in a handcuff hold, the therapist's extended fingers perform a fast-paced oscillating maneuver to the rhomboids, lower traps, and posterior rotator cuff for 2 minutes; the therapist then assesses for improved shoulder girdle retraction. With the client's leg in a "figure-four" position, the therapist's soft fists apply a fast-paced gluteal oscillating maneuver for 2 minutes; then, the therapist reassesses for improved hip extension. Palms facing down, the client is asked to extend each arm toward the ceiling while the therapist assesses and records range of motion.