Soft Tissue Technique - Mechanisms of Action

Mechanisms of Action

Soft tissue techniques work by affecting a variety of components within the soft tissue structure. These components include the musculature, fascia, vasculature and local nervous system, which will each be described below:

• By applying a direct force to tight muscles, the muscles can be stretched or kneaded until relaxation occurs.
• Similarly, as muscles are stretched, the fascia surrounding each muscle is also stretched until fascial relaxation occurs. Fascia can be specifically treated by using myofascial release techniques if dysfunction is still present after soft tissue techniques have been used.
• In relation to vasculature, soft tissue techniques have been shown to increase the amount of circulation to the muscles and fascia. As more blood reaches the tight muscles, the amount of oxygen and nutritional components reaching the muscles increase, as well as increasing the rate of removal of local metabolites and waste products. All of which lead to more rapid healing rates.
• The somatosomatic and viscerosomatic neural reflexes can also be decreased through soft tissue techniques.