Does the Addition of Manual Therapy Techniques Increase Gastrocnemius/Soleus Length More Than Stretching Alone?

IASTM treatment: will be performed with the sound assisted soft tissue mobilization tool #5. Patient will be placed in the prone position with the ankle in a relaxed position. The treating therapist will perform 10 scanning strokes in the caudal, cephalic, medial, lateral directions for a total of 40 strokes over the Gastrocnemius/Soleus complex. The therapist can then perform more concentrated strokes in areas noted by the therapist as tight, with a maximum treatment time of 5 minutes.

A high velocity-low amplitude distractive thrust is directed at the talocrural joint. The procedure is performed with the patient in the supine position. The therapist interlaces hands over the dorsum of the foot with 5th digit placed on talus. The therapist slightly pronates and dorsiflexes the foot. Tension is taken up in a caudal direction until the soft tissue barrier is engaged. A distractive thrust is then applied. This is performed up to 2 times. If the therapist notes a cavitation, the patient is progressed to ROM exercises. If there is no cavitation is noted by the therapist the thrust mobilization is reapplied.

Gastrocnemius stretch at wall 3 sets of 30 second holds. Soleus stretch at wall 3 sets of 30 second holds. Standing bilateral dorsiflexion on step x30 with full ROM. Standing bilateral plantar flexion on step x30 with full ROM.