What is Soft Tissue Therapy?

Soft tissue therapy is a hands-on approach that focuses on muscles, tendons, ligaments and surrounding connective tissues. At JB Essential Wellbeing in Kilmore, soft tissue therapy may be incorporated into an individualised chiropractic management plan following a thorough assessment.

A range of manual therapy techniques may be used to address muscle tension, areas of tightness and soft tissue dysfunction. The techniques selected are tailored to your individual presentation, comfort and treatment goals and are often used alongside chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises, movement advice, dry needling or cupping therapy as part of a patient-centred approach to musculoskeletal care.  Every person's presentation is different, and not all techniques are suitable for every individual. Your chiropractor will discuss the proposed management plan and answer any questions before treatment begins.

 

Types of Soft Tissue Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy involves applying sustained pressure to specific areas within a muscle that may be sensitive or tight, often referred to as myofascial trigger points.

 

Effleurage

Effleurage is a gentle, gliding manual therapy technique performed using the hands with long, smooth strokes over the skin and underlying soft tissues. It is commonly used at the beginning or end of treatment and between other manual therapy techniques.

Effleurage may be incorporated to help prepare the soft tissues for treatment, encourage relaxation during the appointment and improve the practitioner's assessment of muscle tone and tissue texture.

 

Petrissage

Petrissage is a manual therapy technique involving gentle kneading, lifting, rolling and compressing of muscles and other soft tissues. The pressure applied is adjusted according to the area being treated and the individual's comfort.

 

Myofascial Techniques

Myofascial techniques focus on the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, tendons and other structures throughout the body.

These techniques typically involve gentle, sustained pressure or slow, controlled movements applied by the practitioner to areas of soft tissue restriction identified during assessment. The pressure and duration are tailored to the individual's comfort and presentation.

 

Stretching Techniques

Stretching techniques involve gently lengthening muscles and surrounding soft tissues using passive or assisted movements performed by the practitioner.  Depending on your assessment findings, stretching techniques may be incorporated to complement other manual therapy approaches. Your chiropractor may also recommend home stretching exercises as part of your individualised management plan where appropriate.

 

Cross-Fibre Friction

Cross-fibre friction, sometimes referred to as transverse friction massage, is a manual therapy technique that involves applying controlled pressure across the direction of muscle or tendon fibres.  The technique is performed using the fingertips over a specific area identified during assessment. The pressure, duration and location are adjusted according to the individual's presentation and comfort.  

 

Nimmo Technique

The Nimmo Technique, also known as Nimmo Receptor Tonus Technique, is a gentle soft tissue approach that involves sustained pressure over areas of muscle tenderness. This technique aims to reduce excessive muscle guarding and may be incorporated into an individualised management plan where clinically appropriate.

 

 

When Might Soft Tissue Therapy Be Considered?

Following a thorough assessment, soft tissue therapy may be incorporated into an individualised management plan for a range of musculoskeletal presentations, including but not limited to:

-Neck pain and associated muscle tension

-Upper back muscle tightness

-Lower back pain

-Shoulder pain

-Hip and gluteal muscle tightness

-Muscle tightness associated with sporting or recreational activities

-Joint stiffness affecting movement

-Postural muscle tension

-General musculoskeletal aches and pains

-Myofascial trigger points

 

 

How Soft Tissue Therapy May Be Incorporated Into Your Care

The techniques that may be selected will be based on your presentation, assessment findings and treatment goals.

Depending on the individual and the techniques used, soft tissue therapy may be incorporated with the aim of:

-Assisting in the management of muscle tension and tightness.

-Addressing myofascial trigger points identified during assessment.

-Supporting comfortable movement of muscles and joints.

-Complementing chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises and movement advice.

-Assisting with the management of soft tissue discomfort associated with sporting or recreational activities.

-Encouraging relaxation during treatment.

-Supporting an individualised approach to musculoskeletal care.

Your chiropractor will discuss whether soft tissue therapy is appropriate for your individual circumstances and how it may be incorporated into your management plan.

 

Why is soft tissue therapy used alongside chiropractic care?

Soft tissue therapy and chiropractic care are often used together because muscles, joints and connective tissues work as part of the same musculoskeletal system.

Following a thorough assessment, your chiropractor may recommend soft tissue therapy before or after other manual therapy techniques depending on your individual presentation. This approach may help prepare the tissues for treatment, complement joint-based techniques and form part of an individualised management plan.  Management may also include rehabilitation exercises, movement advice, dry needling or cupping therapy where clinically appropriate.

 

What Tissues Does Soft Tissue Therapy Focus On?

Soft tissue therapy focuses on the body's muscles and the surrounding connective tissues that contribute to movement and support. Following a thorough assessment, your chiropractor may incorporate soft tissue therapy into your individualised management plan where clinically appropriate.

Soft tissue therapy may be directed towards:

Muscles – to address areas of muscle tension, tightness or myofascial trigger points identified during assessment.

Tendons – the structures that connect muscles to bones and assist with movement.

Ligaments – connective tissues that help support and stabilise joints.

Fascia – a continuous layer of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and other soft tissues throughout the body.

Because muscles, joints and connective tissues work together as part of the musculoskeletal system, soft tissue therapy is often incorporated alongside chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises and movement advice as part of an individualised approach to care.

 

What Can I Expect After Soft Tissue Therapy?

People respond differently to manual therapy, and experiences following treatment vary from person to person. Many individuals are able to return to their usual daily activities after their appointment.

Some people may experience temporary muscle tenderness, mild stiffness or a feeling similar to that experienced after exercise. These responses are generally short-lived and vary depending on the techniques used, the area treated and the individual's presentation.

Your chiropractor may provide personalised aftercare advice, which may include:

-Remaining gently active where appropriate.

-Drinking adequate water throughout the day.

-Performing any rehabilitation exercises or stretches that have been recommended.

-Avoiding activities that may aggravate the affected area if advised.

-Monitoring your response to treatment and discussing any concerns at your next appointment.

 

How is your Treatment Individualised?

At JB Essential Wellbeing in Kilmore, no two people receive exactly the same management plan. Every appointment begins with a thorough assessment to understand your health history, current presentation, lifestyle and treatment goals.

If soft tissue therapy is considered appropriate, the techniques selected are tailored to your individual circumstances. Factors that may be considered include:

-Your assessment findings.

-The area of the body being managed.

-Your age and general health.

-Your daily activities, occupation and recreational pursuits.

-Your comfort and preferences during treatment.

-Your previous response to manual therapy, where applicable.

Depending on your presentation, soft tissue therapy may be incorporated alongside chiropractic care, dry needling, cupping therapy, rehabilitation exercises and movement advice as part of an individualised management plan.

Your chiropractor will explain the proposed techniques, answer any questions and obtain your informed consent before treatment begins.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is soft tissue therapy?

Soft tissue therapy is a hands-on technique that focuses on muscles and other soft tissues. It may be incorporated into an individualised chiropractic management plan following a thorough assessment, where clinically appropriate.

 

What happens during a soft tissue therapy appointment?

Your chiropractor will first assess your presentation and discuss your goals. If soft tissue therapy is considered appropriate, the techniques used will be selected according to your individual needs, comfort and assessment findings.

 

Can soft tissue therapy be combined with chiropractic care?

Yes. Soft tissue therapy is commonly incorporated alongside chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises, dry needling, cupping therapy and movement advice as part of an individualised approach to musculoskeletal care where clinically appropriate.

 

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being assessed is recommended. Depending on the area being treated, you may be asked to wear shorts or a sleeveless top, or a gown may be provided to maintain your comfort and privacy.

 

Does soft tissue therapy hurt?

People experience manual therapy differently. Some techniques involve gentle pressure, while others may apply firmer pressure depending on your presentation and preferences. Your chiropractor will explain the proposed techniques before treatment and adjust the pressure according to your comfort.

 

Will I be sore afterwards?

Some people experience temporary muscle tenderness or mild soreness following manual therapy, while others do not. Individual responses vary, and your chiropractor will provide appropriate aftercare advice based on your treatment.

 

Is soft tissue therapy suitable for everyone?

Soft tissue therapy is not appropriate for every individual or every presentation. Your chiropractor will determine whether it is suitable following a thorough assessment and discussion of your health history.

 

Why choose JB Essential Wellbeing in Kilmore?

At JB Essential Wellbeing, soft tissue therapy is incorporated into an individualised chiropractic management plan when clinically appropriate. Dr Jennifer Barker (Chiropractor) uses a range of manual therapy techniques tailored to your presentation, comfort and treatment goals, providing patient-centred musculoskeletal care for people from Kilmore and surrounding communities.

Evidence Informed care

Research into the management of musculoskeletal conditions continues to evolve. Current clinical guidelines generally recommend an individualised approach that may include patient education, exercise, self-management strategies and, where clinically appropriate, manual therapy as part of a broader management plan.

Soft tissue therapy is one of several manual therapy approaches that may be incorporated following a thorough assessment. Depending on an individual's presentation, it may be used alongside chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises, movement advice and other supportive therapies as part of a patient-centred approach to musculoskeletal care.

No single treatment is appropriate for every person or every condition. Your chiropractor will discuss your assessment findings, explain the available management options and work with you to develop an individualised plan based on your needs, preferences and clinical presentation.

Further Reading

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. 2020.

World Health Organization (WHO). Guideline for the Management of Chronic Primary Low Back Pain in Adults in Primary and Community Care. 2023.

American College of Physicians. Clinical Practice Guideline: Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain. 2017.

Bialosky JE et al. The Mechanisms of Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain. Manual Therapy. 2009.