reciprocal inhibition example
biceps contracts (agonist) triceps is inhibited (antagonist)
postcontraction inhibition
after a muscle is contracted, it is autonatically in a relaxed state for a brief, latent period
techniques using postcontraction inhibition
hold relax
postisometric relaxation
postfascilitation stretch
specific PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) techniques that FACILITATE
rhythmic stabilization
slow reversal
fast reversal
specific PNF techniques that INHIBIT
hold relax
contract relax
contract relax agonist contract (CRAC)
rhythmic stabilization
alternating isometric actions of the agonist and antagonist muscles
slow reversal
going through whole ROM of antagonist, then going through whole ROM of the agonst
fast reversal
going through whole ROM antagonist, then going through whole ROM of the agonist, just FASTER
hold relax
- 10-15 seconds of stretch
- isometric action of the antagonist for 6 seconds
- followed by relaxation
- passive stretching antagonist for 10-15 seconds
contract relax
- stretch for 10-15 seconds
- maximal concentric action of the antagonist against resistance
- followed by relaxation
- stretch for another 10-15 seconds
- repeat if needed
CRAC example
patient supine, bring foot up, bend knee have them push down on your hand straighten leg bend knee again have them push up against hand straighten and bring down
other stretching techniques
post isometric relaxation
post facilitation stretch
muscle energy techniques
active isolated stretching (mattes method)
PIR instruction
- passively stretch muscle to point of tension
- contract muscle (isometric) gently for 10 seconds
- breathe out and relax muscle
- doctor feels for decrease resistance
- gently stretch to next point of tension
- repeat 3-5 reps
PFS instructions
- hold muscle midway between neutral and point of tension
- contract (isometric) with maximum or near maximum effor for 10 seconds
- relax completely
- doctor feels for decreased resistance
- move quickly to new point of tension
- hold stretch for 20 seconds
- move back to midrange and rest 20-30 seconds
- repeat 3-5 times
MET definition
stretching procedure involving voluntary contraction of a muscle in precise and controlled direction and variations in intensity
uses of MET
lengthening a shortened muscle, contracture or spastic muscles
strengthen weakened muscles
reduce localized edema, mobilize joint articulations with restricted mobility
MET protocol
- position of comfort, take muscle or movement to the point of barrier. should be pain free point when stretch begins
- ask patient to contract muscle until they feel the stretch (25% max).
- after 10 seconds of action have patient relax and within 3-5 seconds gently move to next barrier
active isolated stretching
- patient positions the part in the proper position and initiates voluntary movement toward end range
- doc applies a gradual tension of no more than 1 lb of pressure to stretch
- stretch for no more than 2 seoncs
- return to start position
- repeat 8-10 reps
stretches that utilize inhibition stretch in the PNF family
CRAC
contract-relax
hold-relax
stretches that utilize facilitation strengthen in the PNF family
fast reversal
slow reversal
rhythmic stabilization
what do all pre/post-contraction stretes have in common?
muscle activation paried with a stretch yields faster results
