Soft Tissue Techniques
A variety of soft tissue techniques can address limitations in muscle, fascial coverings, tendons, ligaments and joint capsules. Physical therapists use targeted techniques to facilitate collagen remodeling during healing of injuries to increase tissue tensile strength, prevent adhesions and improve blood flow to healing tissues.
Active and Passive Stretching/ROM
These exercises are performed to help maintain or improve the range of motion of joints, help the body's awareness of neuromuscular function, and improve flexibility of muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Passive exercise means movement not initiated by the patient. Passive range of motion exercises (PROM) are very important if the patient is not using a body part or has limited movement of a body part.
Active range of motion uses the animal’s own volitional use of their body and is a very effective means of facilitating stretching and ROM in the horse.
It is important to use these techniques appropriately and using skilled hands to prevent inappropriate strain to the tissues and joints.
Passive exercise means movement not initiated by the patient. Passive range of motion exercises (PROM) are very important if the patient is not using a body part or has limited movement of a body part.
Active range of motion uses the animal’s own volitional use of their body and is a very effective means of facilitating stretching and ROM in the horse.
It is important to use these techniques appropriately and using skilled hands to prevent inappropriate strain to the tissues and joints.
Joint Mobilization Techniques
All joints in the body have an optimum amount of physiologic motion to allow for ideal movement. Any restrictions in joint motion will inhibit motion and eventually lead to detrimental stresses applied to the joint surfaces. This can lead to degenerative arthritic changes, inflammation and pain. The ability to assess joint physiologic motion along with normal joint play requires the skilled manual techniques of a physical therapist.
Dr. Welter uses a variety of joint mobilization techniques including gentle mobilization within the joint physiologic range and mobilization with movement techniques.
Dr. Welter uses a variety of joint mobilization techniques including gentle mobilization within the joint physiologic range and mobilization with movement techniques.
