Targeted Relief: Understanding the Origin and Insertion Technique
When you are experiencing a severe muscle spasm, the idea of someone massaging directly over the painful area can be daunting. Fortunately, massage therapy includes specialized approaches to encourage muscle relaxation without directly agitating the sore muscle belly. One such method is the Origin and Insertion Technique.
Here is a closer look at what this technique is, how it works, and what you can expect during your treatment.
What is the Origin and Insertion Technique?
The origin and insertion technique is a variation of the Golgi tendon organ release. A therapist will utilize this specific method when the tendon to be treated is short, such as the medial attachment of the infraspinatus muscle (located on your shoulder blade).
It is also an excellent alternative to reduce spasm and tone in a muscle when direct work on the muscle belly is uncomfortable.
The Science Behind the Relief
Your muscles are controlled by complex nervous system signals. When a muscle is in spasm, it is receiving continuous signals to contract.
- The origin and insertion technique works through the stimulation of the Golgi tendon organs in the musculotendinous junction.
- This stimulation reduces muscle tone by inhibiting the alpha neuron firing which causes the muscle contraction in the first place.
What Does It Feel Like on the Table?
Because this technique focuses on the attachments of the muscles (where the muscle meets the bone/tendon) rather than the center of the muscle, it requires precision. Here is how it is performed:
- The therapist thoroughly treats the origin (attachment) of the muscle using either reinforced finger or thumb kneading.
- Cross-fibre and then with-fibre strokes, resembling a little plus sign, are made on the same location.
- The therapist then moves several centimetres along the origin to repeat the technique, continuing to make plus signs along the entire origin.
- The insertion (the other attachment) of the muscle is treated in the exact same manner.
- The rate of the technique is slow and the pressure applied is moderate to deep.
The Results and Contraindications
The primary effect of the origin and insertion technique is that it successfully reduces muscle tone and spasm. While highly effective, there are times when this technique should be avoided.
The contraindications to the origin and insertion technique are the same as for Golgi tendon organ release. Your massage therapist will always assess your condition beforehand to ensure this technique is the safest and most effective choice for your specific needs.