Active Engagement Techniques

Active engagement techniques encourage tissue broadening when performed during concentric (shortening) contraction or encourage tissue lengthening during an eccentric (lengthening) contraction. There are numerous variations of these techniques. The primary effects of active engagement techniques are both neurological and mechanical. In both variations, broadening and lengthening, pressure applied while the muscle is under contraction reduces excessive muscle spindle activity and decreases overall muscle tightness. In the broadening techniques, the cross fiber pressure helps to spread and broaden muscle fibers thereby decreasing any intramuscular adhesions and enhancing pliability. In the lengthening techniques, applying pressure while the muscle lengthens helps to pull and stretch the myofascial tissues and decrease overall muscle tightness. Techniques during Muscle Shortening

Broadening (or shortening) strokes during active engagement enhance muscle broadening, reduce fibrous adhesion between adjacent muscle fibers, and decrease trigger point activity. Use these techniques after the client has passed the acute stage of the rehabilitation process or with clients whose muscles are in moderately good tone. Broadening techniques use static compression or compression broadening with a concentric muscle contraction.

• Begin with the affected muscle in a lengthened position. • Apply either a broad or small contact surface using only a moderate amount of force • Have the client concentrically contract the affected muscle. • Apply the stroke during the contraction. • Either maintain or release pressure as the client returns to the original position. • Repeat this process moving along the length of the muscle until the entire muscle is treated. • Be sure to coordinate your actions with that of the client’s muscle contraction, beginning the

technique as the client begins moving. The stroke should end as the client reaches the end of movement.

Techniques during Muscle Lengthening

Lengthening strokes during active engagement decrease muscle tightness, reduce irritable myofascial trigger points, and encourage tissue elongation. Use these techniques during the later stages of the rehabilitative process or with clients whose muscles are in moderately good tone to begin with. Lengthening techniques use either static compression or deep longitudinal stripping with an eccentric muscle contraction. Start with a broad contact surface first to initiate tissue relaxation. To limit client discomfort in more general applications, use only the broad surface, such as your palm. To target more specific muscle tissues, use a finger, thumb, or pressure tool.

• Begin the technique begins with the client’s affected muscle in a fully shortened position and in an isometric contraction. For muscles prone to cramping in their shortest position (such as the hamstrings or other multi-articulate muscles), use a slightly lengthened position to engage the initial contraction.

• Apply a moderate level of pressure after establishing the initial muscle contraction. • Instruct the client to slowly releases but not fully let go of the contraction. • The pressure and/or stripping technique is performed throughout the length of the eccentric

contraction. This technique is a variation of what is sometimes called the pin and stretch technique.

Active Engagement Variations and the Ladder of Intensity

Technique

Technique + Movement

Technique + Movement + Contraction

Technique + Movement + Contraction + Resistance