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MYOFASCIAL TECHNIQUES 9 8 Use active or passive client movement to lengthen contracted toe fl exors in the Flexor Digitorum Brevis Technique. Image 8 courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com. The short toe fl exors are shown in green. The long toe fl exors (red) will be discussed in the next installment. Image 9 courtesy Primal Pictures; used by permission. 12 10 11 The Extensor Digitorum Brevis Technique. By anchoring into the short toe extensors on the top of the foot, you may use active or passive toe fl exion to lengthen the short toe extensors. Image 12 shows the extensor digitorum brevis (green), as well as the extensor digitorum longus (red), covered in our next installment. Images 10 and 11 courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com; used with permission. Image 12 courtesy Primal Pictures; used by permission. FLEXOR DIGITORUM BREVIS TECHNIQUE When contracted, the short toe fl exors in the sole of the foot (Image 8) contribute to hammertoes by curling the PIPJ and DIPJ, the two distal joints of the toe. The fl exors are found just deep to the plantar fascia, in the most superfi cial muscle layer of the bottom of the foot. Before attempting to work with this muscle layer, warm up the superfi cial and plantar fascia of the sole. These tissues can also contribute to toe fl exure. Use any broad, superfi cial technique for this preparatory work. (One example is the Plantar Fascia Technique described in "Working With Ankle Mobility, Part 1," Massage & Bodywork, March/April 2011, page 113.) Avoid using oil or cream, at least at this point, since reducing friction makes it more diffi cult to work with the sole's distinct tissue layers. Instead, slow down and let the tissues melt. Once you've prepared the superfi cial and plantar fascia, use the tips of your curled thumbs to anchor the short, strong fl exors in a heelward direction, as your client lifts the toes in active toe extension (Image 9). You can also use passive toe extension, gently stretching the toes into extension with your free hand. This combination of anchoring into the short fl exors and adding movement is very effective in lengthening contracted or shortened lines of strain in the underside of the Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 115