Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft Tissue Therapy (STT) is a targeted, hands-on approach that focuses on assessing, treating, and managing injuries or dysfunctions of the soft tissues of the body — including muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. While often associated with remedial massage, STT is broader and more clinical in nature, involving a range of advanced techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and assist in functional recovery.

At Lakeside Chiropractic, STT is provided by trained chiropractors and massage therapists and is commonly integrated with other therapies such as spinal adjustments, rehabilitation, dry needling, or cold laser.

How Does It Work?

Soft tissue injuries, adhesions, and tension can impair movement and lead to compensation patterns, postural imbalances, and pain. STT addresses these dysfunctions through techniques designed to release tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and support the natural healing process.

Typical STT techniques include:

• Trigger point therapy: Focused pressure applied to hyperirritable spots in the muscle that refer pain elsewhere.
• Myofascial release: Gentle sustained pressure to lengthen tight fascia and restore soft tissue mobility.
• Deep tissue massage: Targets deeper muscle layers to release chronic patterns of tension or overuse.
• Cross-fibre friction: Helps remodel scar tissue and promote alignment of collagen fibres.
• Muscle stripping and lengthening: Often used on tight or shortened muscles, especially in athletes or desk-bound individuals.

The goals of STT are to:

• Relieve musculoskeletal pain
• Improve range of motion and flexibility
• Promote relaxation and reduce muscle guarding
• Aid in postural correction and ergonomic support
• Enhance tissue healing by improving local blood flow
• Support recovery from acute or chronic injury

STT can be used for a wide range of conditions including:

• Neck and back tightness
• Tension headaches and TMJ pain
• Shoulder impingement or rotator cuff strain
• Tendonitis or repetitive strain injuries
• Sciatica and piriformis syndrome
• Sports injuries and muscle tears
• Postural fatigue and chronic tightness

It’s also beneficial as part of long-term maintenance care to prevent reinjury and support active lifestyles.

 Relevant Research & Clinical Evidence

• A randomized controlled trial study concluded that soft tissue manual therapy was effective in improving pain and function in patients with neck and low back pain.
• This study shows the comparison between effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and manual myofascial release and both interventions led to significant reductions in pain and improvements in range of motion and function, indicating that soft tissue mobilization techniques are effective in managing trigger point-related pain
• A 2021 study highlighted that myofascial release techniques reduced pain intensity and improved physical performance in people with chronic low back pain, when used in combination with exercise and education.

These findings support the use of soft tissue therapy as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan for musculoskeletal health.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the difference between soft tissue therapy and a regular massage?

While relaxation massage focuses on general stress relief, STT is a clinical, outcome-based approach targeting specific muscular and fascial dysfunctions. It’s used to address injuries, tightness, and chronic pain conditions, often in coordination with chiropractic care or rehabilitation.

2. Does soft tissue therapy hurt?

Some areas of treatment — such as trigger point release or deep tissue work — may cause mild discomfort, especially in tight or inflamed areas. However, the therapist works within your comfort range and communicates throughout to ensure a safe and effective treatment.

3. How long does it take to feel results?

Many people feel relief after one session, especially for tight muscles or stress-related tension. Chronic or long-standing issues may require multiple sessions combined with rehabilitation or posture correction for lasting results.

4. Who can benefit from STT?

Almost anyone — from athletes recovering from injury to office workers with neck stiffness or elderly individuals with postural fatigue. It’s also commonly used for people recovering from surgery, acute injuries, or conditions like fibromyalgia.

5. Do I need a chiropractor or a massage therapist for soft tissue therapy?

At Lakeside Chiropractic, both chiropractors and qualified remedial massage therapists are trained in soft tissue therapy. The choice depends on your specific condition and overall treatment plan. In many cases, both practitioners collaborate to deliver integrated care.