Muscle Imbalances - Sahrmann

Shirley Sahrmann of Washington University has researched muscle imbalances. She proposes that as muscles shorten (the long two joint muscles are the usual culprits) they change the PICR (Path of Instaneous Center of Rotation) of a joint. With repetitive use of that joint, pain and pathology may result. Her techniques help therapists find the specific direction susceptible to movement for each patient.

Our goal is to teach patients exercises and home techniques to restore muscle balance around the joint to improve their musculoskeletal alignment. All our therapists have been trained by Ms. Sahrmann to identify imbalances and correct them.

Mobilizations with movement - Mulligan

Brian Mulligan, a physical therapist from New Zealand, has developed mobilization techniques combined with movement. He teaches gliding the wrist carpal bones laterally while a stretch or resistance is applied. All the stretches are performed by the patients themselves to their tolerance and in their painfree range.

Mulligan also has glides for the hip, lateral malleolous, shoulder and elbow. The movement with the therapist’s glides restores functional use of the joint and muscles.

All our therapists have been trained in his techniques. We emphasize painfree movement patterns. We emphasize teaching patients to perform their supportive exercises at home.

Pilates

We invited Brent Anderson, P.T. to come to our clinic and teach us POLESTAR - a Pilates based approach to rehabilitation. Basically, it involves using a Pilates spring table that slides horizontally while the patient performs various exercises. The exercises are designed for neuromuscular reeducation.

The horizontal position combined with spring assistance or resistance, facilitates muscle contraction, postural alignment and spinal stabilization. New neuromuscular pathways are facilitated and old compensatory pathways are inhibited.

The techniques are particularly effective with cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine injuries as well as hip, knee, and ankle injuries. Patients gain a sense of where their body is, how it is moving, and which muscles they are using to perform specific movements.

For years, I have been wondering if I was getting through to patients concerning their body perception. After a few Polestar experiences, most patients are able to correct imbalances and move towards regaining control of their body.

We appreciate your confidence and trust in allowing us to work with your patients. As always, you and your staff are welcome to call or stop in and experience Polestar.

Taping

Taping can be an integral part of a physical therapy program to facilitate optimal joint and muscle function.

While many patients are pleased with the immediate pain relief; it is important to combine taping with exercises and neuromuscular reeducation for true functional gains.

The most exciting is Brian Mulligan’s lateral malleolus taping for ankle inversion sprains. IT WORKS! IT WORKS CONSISTENTLY. We also have seen excellent results with his tibial internal rotation taping for patella - femoral problems and lateral carpal glides for wrist problems.

Shirley Sahrmann’s taping techniques for upper trapezius unload helps many faulty shoulder and postural problems.

Jenny McConnell’s patellar and shoulder taping programs are renown to benefit many patients.

• Taping is used temporarily in CONJUNCTION with EXERCISES.
• Taping can usually be performed by the patient or a family member for home programming.
• Taping must be discontinued if there is any increase in symptoms or skin irritation.