Table of Contents

Part I. Getting Started With Soft Tissue Release

Chapter 1. Introduction to Soft Tissue Release

Who Should Have Soft Tissue Release

How Soft Tissue Release Works

Where to Perform Soft Tissue Release

When to Perform Soft Tissue Release

Benefits of Soft Tissue Release

Soft Tissue Release and Trigger Points

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Chapter 2. Preparing for Soft Tissue Release

Using Your Body to Apply STR

Using Tools to Apply STR

Consultation With the Client

Caution and Safety Issues

Three Methods of STR

Measuring the Effectiveness of STR

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting Tips

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Part II. Soft Tissue Release Techniques

Chapter 3. Passive Soft Tissue Release

Introduction to Passive Soft Tissue Release

Key Holds, Moves and Stances for Passive STR

Safety Guidelines for Passive STR

When Is Passive STR Indicated?

Using Passive STR to Treat Trigger Points

How to Become Proficient in the Use of Passive STR

Quick Questions

Chapter 4. Active-Assisted Soft Tissue Release

Introduction to Active-Assisted Soft Tissue Release

Key Holds, Moves and Stances for Active-Assisted STR

Safety Guidelines for Active-Assisted STR

When Is Active-Assisted STR Indicated?

Using Active-Assisted STR to Treat Trigger Points

How to Become Proficient in the Use of Active-Assisted STR

Quick Questions

Chapter 5. Active Soft Tissue Release

Introduction to Active Soft Tissue Release

Key Holds, Moves and Stances for Active STR

Safety Guidelines for Active STR

When Is Active STR Indicated?

Using Active STR to Treat Trigger Points

How to Become Proficient in the Use of Active STR

Quick Questions

Part III. Applying Soft Tissue Release

Chapter 6. Soft Tissue Release for the Trunk

Rhomboids

Pectoralis Major and Minor

Levator Scapulae

Upper Trapezius

Erector Spinae (Upper)

Scalenes

Quick Questions

Chapter 7. Soft Tissue Release for the Lower Limbs

Hamstrings

Calf

Foot

Quadriceps

Tibialis Anterior

Peroneals (Fibulari)

Gluteals

Iliotibial Band (ITB)/Vastus Lateralis

Iliacus

Quick Questions

Chapter 8. Soft Tissue Release for the Upper Limbs

Triceps

Biceps Brachii

Shoulder Adductors

Infraspinatus

Wrist and Finger Extensors

Wrist and Finger Flexors

Quick Questions

Part IV. Soft Tissue Release Programmes

Chapter 9. Creating a Soft Tissue Release Programme

Initial Questions

Client’s Medical History

Using a Body Map

Measuring Subjective Sensations

Postural Assessment

Range of Motion and Other Special Tests

Programme for Treatment

Case Studies

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

About the Author

Jane Johnson, MSc, PhD, is a chartered physiotherapist and sport massage therapist specializing in occupational health and massage. In this role she spends much time assessing the posture of clients and examining whether work, sport, or recreational postures may be contributing to their symptoms. She devises postural correction plans that include both hands-on and hands-off techniques. 

Johnson has taught continuing professional development (CPD) workshops for many organizations both in the UK and abroad. This experience has brought her into contact with thousands of therapists of all disciplines and informed her own practice. Johnson has a passion for inspiring and supporting students and newly qualified therapists to gain confidence in the use of assessment and treatment techniques.

Johnson is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and is registered with the Health Professions Council. A member of the Medico Legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, she provides expert witness reports on cases involving soft tissue therapies. Johnson is the author of six titles in the Hands-On Guides for Therapists series. These are, Postural Assessment, Postural Correction, Therapeutic Stretching, Soft Tissue Release, Deep Tissue Massage and Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release. Postural Assessment has sold over 10,000 copies. She is also the author of The Big Back Book: Tips & Tricks for Therapists. 

Jane regularly delivers webinars on popular musculoskeletal topics, as well as on life working as a therapist. In her Facebook group (Jane Johnson The Friendly Physio), she shares tips and tricks in her usual, friendly manner.

Johnson lives in the north of England in an unmodernized house where she creates books and webinars, makes art and rehomes big rescue dogs.