Category Archives: Muscle Tid Bits

May 10, 2024
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“Soft Touch, Strong Bond: How Myofascial Release Transforms Breastfeeding for Infants with Latching Issues”

Unlocking Comfort: The Role of Myofascial Release in Helping Infants with Latching Issues

Breastfeeding is a cherished bond between mother and child, offering nourishment and nurturing in the early stages of life. However, for some infants, particularly those with tongue and lip tie restrictions, achieving a good latch can be a struggle, causing stress and discomfort for both baby and mother. Myofascial release, a gentle therapy, has emerged as a beacon of hope for these families, offering a way to ease these challenges and enhance the breastfeeding experience.

Understanding the Challenge: Tongue and Lip Ties

Tongue and lip ties occur when the bands of tissue (frenula) that connect the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gum are too tight. These anatomical issues can restrict the movement necessary for an effective latch, making breastfeeding painful and inefficient. This not only affects the baby’s ability to feed but can also lead to nipple pain and trauma, inadequate milk intake, and a stressful feeding environment.

The Healing Touch of Myofascial Release

Myofascial release therapy involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue restrictions. For infants, especially those struggling with the effects of tongue and lip ties, this therapy can be transformative. Here’s how it helps:

Enhances Movement and Flexibility: By releasing the tight tissues around the mouth and under the tongue, myofascial release improves the infant’s ability to move their tongue and lips more freely. This increased mobility is crucial for creating a proper latch, which is the cornerstone of effective breastfeeding.
Reduces Pain and Discomfort: The gentle easing of tension in the facial and oral tissues can significantly decrease discomfort for the infant, making feeding times more relaxing and enjoyable. A comfortable baby is more likely to latch correctly and feed effectively.
Supports Overall Oral Development: Beyond just aiding in breastfeeding, the improvements in oral tissue flexibility and function can benefit the infant’s overall oral development, including future speech development and oral hygiene.
Promotes Relaxation and Bonding: Myofascial release not only addresses physical restrictions but also promotes relaxation in infants. A relaxed baby is more likely to engage in effective feeding behaviors, enhancing the bonding experience that breastfeeding is meant to be.

A Gentle Solution

The beauty of myofascial release lies in its non-invasive nature. Performed by trained professionals, this therapy offers a safe and gentle option for addressing the physical complications associated with tongue and lip ties. Parents considering this therapy should consult with a practitioner who is experienced in working with infants, ensuring that their little one is in capable hands.

Conclusion: A Path to Happier Breastfeeding

For many parents, watching their infant struggle with breastfeeding due to tongue and lip ties can feel heartbreaking. Myofascial release presents a hopeful pathway not just to improved physical health and comfort for the baby, but also to a more joyful and fulfilling breastfeeding journey. By addressing these ties with the gentle, healing touch of myofascial release, the hurdles to a good latch are not only overcome but turned into opportunities for growth and comfort.

As we see more parents and healthcare providers embracing myofascial release, we move closer to a world where breastfeeding difficulties are a less daunting challenge, and more infants can enjoy the profound benefits of a good latch right from the start.

March 1, 2023
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Understanding Properties of Muscle

Category : Muscle Tid Bits

By: Anthony Anderson HMS CPT CPX CPN CPPS LMT1408 SSI

Muscle is an essential tissue in the human body responsible for generating force and movement. Understanding the various properties of muscle is crucial for understanding how muscles function and how they can be impacted by injury or disease. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key terms used to describe the different properties of muscle, including tautness, hardness, hypotonicity, hypertonicity, extensibility, and elasticity.

Tautness

The term “taut” is used to describe a state of tension or tightness in a muscle. When a muscle is taut, it is contracted and has increased tone, which can cause stiffness and limited movement. Tautness is a normal state for muscles during physical activity, as they contract to generate force and movement. However, when tautness persists even when the muscle is at rest, it can indicate a muscle spasm or other underlying condition.

Hardness

The term “hardness” refers to the firm and compact texture of muscle tissue. This property is a result of the tightly packed muscle fibers that make up the muscle. Hardness is generally desirable in muscle tissue, as it allows the muscle to generate force and withstand external stressors. However, excessive hardness or rigidity can indicate the presence of scar tissue, which can limit the mobility and function of the muscle.

Hypotonicity

The term “hypotonic” is used to describe a state where a muscle has decreased tone or tension. This can cause the muscle to feel flaccid or weak, and can affect the ability of the muscle to contract and generate force. Hypotonicity is commonly seen in conditions such as cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury, where damage to the nervous system can impair the function of the muscles.

Hypertonicity

The term “hypertonic” is used to describe a state where a muscle has increased tone or tension. This can cause the muscle to feel rigid or tense, and can impact the range of motion and flexibility of the muscle. Hypertonicity is commonly seen in conditions such as spasticity or muscle spasms, where the muscles contract uncontrollably.

Extensibility

The term “extensibility” refers to the ability of a muscle to stretch or lengthen without damage. This property is critical for allowing muscles to generate movement and maintain flexibility, as well as for preventing injuries such as strains or tears. Optimal muscle extensibility can be achieved through regular stretching and exercise, as well as maintaining proper posture and alignment.

Elasticity

The term “elastic” refers to the ability of a muscle to return to its original length after being stretched or contracted. This property is critical for allowing muscles to generate movement and maintain posture, as well as for returning the muscle to its resting state after contraction. Elasticity is a normal property of healthy muscle tissue, but it can be impacted by factors such as age, injury, or disease.

In conclusion, optimal muscle tissue should have a balance of tautness, hardness, extensibility, and elasticity. Healthy muscles should be able to generate force and movement, withstand external stressors, stretch and lengthen without damage, and return to their original state after contraction. By understanding the different properties of muscle, healthcare providers can diagnose and treat muscle-related conditions more effectively, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

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