Static Manual Release: Lower Leg Muscles

This course describes static manual release techniques for muscles of the lower leg and calf, 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 the terms used for these techniques in this course. For example, they may be considered refinements of calf massage, massage therapy, therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, trigger point massage, static compression techniques, soft tissue mobilization, muscle inhibitory techniques, and/or 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, muscle tightness, muscle spasm, muscle tension, and some references to scar tissue. The reason there may be so many synonyms is the rich history of scientific inquiry, from multiple disciplines and cultures, that have contributed to our understanding of the techniques described in this course.

This course includes techniques for the gastrocnemius, soleus, fibularis muscles (peroneal muscles), extensor hallucis longus (EHL), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), flexor hallucis longus (FHL), and flexor digitorum longus (FDL). Release techniques for these muscles are commonly included in an integrated program designed to address lower extremity dysfunctions including a loss of dorsiflexion range of motion, pes planus (feet flatten), feet turn out, knee valgus (knees bow in), an excessive forward lean, or an asymmetrical weight shift. Often lower extremity dysfunction results in patient complaints of tight calf muscles, calf pain, calf cramps, or calf spasm (often falsely attributed to circulation issues), and may be correlated with pathology including plantar fasciitis, calf muscle strain, and Achilles tendinopathy. More pronounced lower extremity dysfunction, in conjunction with physical stressors, can result in serious injuries including muscle tissue, tendon, or fascial ruptures.

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.) to develop an evidence-based, systematic, integrated, patient-centered, patient-centered, and outcome-driven approach.

Techniques Covered in this Course:

• Gastrocnemius and Soleus Static Manual Release
• Fibularis Muscle Static Manual Release
• Extensor Hallucis Longus (EHL) and Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) Static Manual Release
• Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) and Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) 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