Static Manual Release: Tibia External Rotators - TFL, Vastus Lateralis, Biceps Femoris and Lateral Gastrocnemius (for Lower Extremity Dysfunction)

This course describes static manual release techniques for lower extremity muscles that are commonly assessed as over-active and prone to trigger point development. Unfortunately, it is easy to be confused by a large number of synonyms for these terms. For example, the techniques described in this course could be considered refinements of remedial massage, massage therapy techniques, deep tissue massage, sports massage, trigger point therapy, static compression techniques, soft tissue mobilization, muscle inhibitory techniques, and manual therapy techniques. Even the term trigger point is referred to by a variety of synonyms including muscle knots, nodules, adhesions, over-active muscle fibers, hypertonic fascicles, spasms, and acute points of hyper-contractility, and the trigger point phenomenon is likely part of every reference to short muscles, tight muscles, "locked" muscles, muscle strains, muscle spasm, etc. Part of the reason there are so many synonyms is the rich history of scientific inquiry, from multiple disciplines and cultures, that have contributed to our understanding of these techniques and the information in this course.

This course includes techniques for the tensor fascia latae, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and soleus. Release techniques for these muscles are commonly included in an integrated program designed to address lower extremity dysfunctions including feet turn out, knee valgus (knees bow in), pes planus (flat feet), or an excessive forward lean. It may also be beneficial to include these techniques for complaints of shin splint pain (e.g. shin splints, medial tibial stress syndrome, tibialis anterior muscle pain, and posterior shin splints). If a professional is attempting to develop a protocol for shin splint massage or a program to "prevent shin splints", the techniques in this course may have a significant effect on program efficacy and reliability. Safety note, shin splints are not generally correlated with compartment syndrome, anterior compartment syndrome, nerve pathology resulting in a change in sensation or tibialis anterior strength, connective tissue disorders, or scar tissue development. If signs of these potentially serious conditions are noted, a referral to a physician is recommended.

The techniques in this course are recommended for all clinical human movement professionals (physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) with the intent of developing an evidence-based, systematic, integrated, patient-centered, and outcome-driven approach.

Techniques Covered in this Course:

• Tensor Fascia Latae Static Manual Release
• Vastus Lateralis Static Manual Release
• Biceps Femoris Static Manual Release
• Gastrocnemius and Soleus Static Manual Release

Additional Static Manual Release Courses

• Static Manual Release: Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae and Splenii
• Static Manual Release: Suboccipitals, Sternocleidomastoid (SCM), Scalenes and Cervical Extensors
• Static Manual Release: Scapular Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Shoulder Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Trunk Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Hip Flexors
• Static Manual Release: Hip Internal Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Hip External Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Tibia External Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Lower Leg Muscles

For a review of muscle fiber dysfunction and trigger point etiology:

• Muscle Fiber Dysfunction and Trigger Points
• Trigger Point Assessment and Palpation