Chapter 3: Inhibitory Techniques

Question 1

Myofascial Adhesions

Answer 1

Knots in muscle tissue that can result in altered neuromuscular control.

Question 2

Davis’s Law

Answer 2

Soft tissue will model along the lines of stress.

Question 3

Myofascial Rolling

Answer 3

Compression intervention where an external object —e.g., foam roller —compresses the myofascia.

Question 4

Gamma Loop

Answer 4

Reflex arc consisting of small anterior horn nerve cells and their small fibers that project to the intrafusal bundle and produce its contraction, which initiates the afferent impulses that pass through the posterior root to the anterior horn cells, inducing, in turn, reflex contraction of the entire muscle.

In plain English: keeps muscles at the right level of tightness so movements are smooth and steady; constantly sends signals between the brain and muscles to prevent them from being too loose or too stiff without you having to think about it.

Question 5

Myofascial Flossing

Answer 5

Method intended to increase flexibility by wrapping an elastic band around a region of the body and performing movements.

Question 6

Myofascial Rolling Precautions

Answer 6

Hypertension, pregnancy, recent injury or surgery, scoliosis, sensitivity to pressure, etc.

Question 7

Myofascial Rolling Contraindications

Answer 7

Skin rash, cancer, osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, chronic pain, severe scoliosis, etc.

Question 8

Length of Time for Foam Rolling

Answer 8

Five to ten minutes (rolling each muscle group for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes) at a pace of 2 to 5 seconds per roll.

Question 9

Frequency of Foam Rolling

Answer 9

Between two and five times per week.