Soft tissue techniques
Soft tissue techniques in physiotherapy are manual methods aimed at relaxing, improving function and reducing pain in soft tissues such as muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments. These techniques are often used to restore proper biomechanics, improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
The main soft tissue techniques include:
- Massage (improving lymph and blood circulation, releasing tension and reducing pain).
- Trigger point therapy (direct application of pressure to TrP = relaxation, reduction of pain)
- Post-isometric relaxation/PIR (combination of activation/relaxation techniques, reduces muscle tension),
- IASTM (uses special fascial knives to relax fascia and deeper tissue layers)
