Soft tissue are structures which are non bony. For example muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and the fascia (tissue that covers and connects muscles).
An injury may damage any of these structures when they are overstretched or torn.
Scar tissue is then formed to repair the damage. This is strong and effective at mending but much less mobile and flexible as the original structure. Without treatment to improve the quality and mobility of scar tissue and release the tight structures then movement may be affected and reoccurrence of the injury is more likely.
Overuse of a tissue due to poor prolonged postures or repeated unaccustomed movement for example a bad posture at work or in the car can lead to changes and damage to tissues over a longer period of time. These types of problem also benefit from soft tissue techniques.
Following any type of operation there will be extensive scar formation in all the structures that were involved and addressing those will improve the outcome of the operation.
Physiotherapy targets the tissues with specialist techniques that help improve scar tissue, stretch muscles and reduce the ‘knots’ or stretch the connecting fascia.
Physiotherapy soft tissue techniques include: myofascial release, trigger point techniques, massage.
