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FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY The position of the knee also significantly influences muscle activation. If the knee is extending or extended (when jumping or sprinting), the gastrocnemius is stretched, increasing its influence on the ankle. If the knee is flexed (as with standing or walking), the gastrocnemius is slack and the soleus is more active. This flexed-knee position is commonly utilized as a "ready" position in athletic activities, allowing the gastrocnemius to rest until explosive movements are needed. Poor range of motion and circulation in this area may lead to muscle strains, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and increased ankle inversion sprains. Decreasing hypertonicity in the gastrocnemius and increasing circulation in the soleus may help prevent these injuries. Client Homework— Calf Stretch 1. Stand facing a wall and place the ball of one foot against it. 2. keep both feet pointed forward as you lean closer to the wall. 3. Breathe deeply as you stretch the calf muscles of the forward leg. 4. Maintain a straight knee to stretch the gastrocnemius, then bend slightly to stretch the soleus. CAEL: Functional Anatomy: A Guide of Musculoskeletal Anatomy for Profs Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Figure 09.32 Dragonfly Media Group 03/11/09 Palpating the Soleus 1. Positioning: client prone with knee flexed. 2. Stand facing the client's leg and locate the bulk of the calf with your palm. 3. Wrap your fingers and thumb, contacting the medial and lateral edges. 4. Gently lift the gastrocnemius to contact the soleus underneath. 5. Resist, as the client plantarflexes, to assure proper location. 5. Shift your weight back to rest, then repeat with the other leg. Editor's note: The Client Homework element in Functional Anatomy is intended as a take-home resource for clients experiencing issues with the profiled muscle. The stretches identified in Functional Anatomy should not be performed within massage sessions or progressed by massage therapists, in order to comply with state laws and maintain scope of practice. Christy Cael is a licensed massage therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her private practice focuses on injury treatment, biomechanical analysis, craniosacral therapy, and massage for clients with neurological issues. She is the author of Functional Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Palpation for Manual Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009). Contact her at functionalbook@hotmail.com. 50 massage & bodywork july/august 2012