Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a form of high frequency sound wave that is absorbed by the molecular level of soft tissue cells. Ultrasound is primarily a 'micro massage' for the soft tissue (by the alternate compression and relaxation of tissue by the pressure of sound waves and the mechanical reactions of the tissue) that helps stimulate the microcirculation and aids in the absorption of inflammatory cells. Ultrasound is particularly useful for joint and muscle swelling, contusions and bruises from injury and trauma (sprains and strains).

Myofascial Release
It is a gentle blend of stretching and massage. Myofascial release therapy uses hands-on manipulation of the entire body to promote healing and relieve pain. Just as its name suggests, myofascial comes from the Latin "myo" for muscle and "fascia" for band. Therapists use the technique to ease pressure in the fibrous bands of connective tissue, or fascia, that encase muscles throughout the body. Sheaths of this dense and elastic connective tissue weave about blood vessels, bones, and nerves as well, forming an intricate, 3-D web that supports your organs and joints from head to toe and acts as the body's shock absorber.

According to practitioners of myofascial release, scarring or injury to this network of connective tissue is a major cause of pain and impeded motion. The easy stretches that are integral to this therapy, aim to alleviate these problems by breaking up, or "releasing," constrictions or snags in the fascia. People with longstanding back pain, fibromyalgia, recurring headaches, sports injuries, and a host of additional complaints are all said to benefit from the technique.

The gentle and sustained stretching of myofascial release frees these adhesions and softens and lengthens the fascia. By freeing up fascia that may be impeding blood vessels or nerves, myofascial release is also said to enhance the body's innate restorative powers by improving circulation and nervous system transmission.

Whereas muscles often respond to the firm strokes and thrusts of massage, fascia is thought to respond to a much milder touch. Myofascial release works on a broader swath of muscles and connective tissue. The movements have been likened to kneading a piece of taffy--a gentle stretching that gradually softens, lengthens, and realigns the fascia.

The stretch may be held for one to two minutes, and sometimes for up to five minutes, before a softening, or "release," is felt. The release indicates that the muscle is relaxing, fascial adhesions are slowly breaking down, or the fascia has been realigned to its proper orientation. The process is then repeated until the tissues are fully elongated.

Exercise Prescription
As athletic therapists our goal is to design a program of exercises that will facilitate recovery, prevent injuries and maximize the body’s capabilities. Muscle flexibility and strength are two components of an assessment from which an individualized exercise program is developed. These programs may include muscle balancing exercises, stretching programs, balance and proprioceptive training, postural retraining, sport specific training, resistance training and core stabilization exercises.

Postural Assessment and Education
The skeleton is viewed as a series of building blocks piled one on top of the other, starting with the bones of the feet and ending with skull. A postural assessment begins with an observation of an individual's spinal alignment in relaxed standing. The assessment can progress to observation of spinal alignment in sitting, during activities of daily living and sports. Alteration in joint position, a change in muscle function either due to spasm or weakness, tightness or laxity of ligaments, and shortening or lengthening of connective tissue are all considered when doing a postural assessment.

Correction of postures that vary from normal, non-stressful positions is directed toward restoring maximal motion to all joints, symmetry of length and strength to all muscles and ligaments, and symmetry of connective tissue tensions relieving restriction and pain throughout the body. This restoration is attempted through education, such as bringing awareness to a poking chin posture. The prescription of specific exercises, like lower trapezius strengthening are essential for attaining proper postural alignment.