Graduation Semester and Year
Summer 2025
Language
English
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Cindy Trowbridge
Second Advisor
Mark Ricard
Third Advisor
Chueh-Lung Laura Hwang
Fourth Advisor
Terry Loghmani
Fifth Advisor
Suzi Wolfram
Abstract
Musculoskeletal dysfunction is a leading cause of pain, functional limitation, and disability worldwide, necessitating the exploration of non-invasive therapeutic strategies. Manual therapy, which encompasses massage, stretching, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), has long been used to address musculoskeletal dysfunction, yet its mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy remain inconsistently defined within the literature. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the historical foundations, physiological effects, and current applications of manual therapy techniques in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Emphasis is placed on how these interventions influence key musculoskeletal properties, including tissue stiffness, joint range of motion, neuromuscular function, and pain perception. While manual therapy has shown promise in both symptom relief and functional restoration, the lack of standardized outcome measures and quantifiable methodologies has hindered its integration into evidence-based clinical practice. Emerging technologies such as Quantifiable Soft Tissue Manipulation (QSTM®) offer potential solutions by enabling real-time assessment of applied forces and tissue responses. This review highlights the need for rigorous, objective investigation into the biomechanical and neurophysiological impacts of manual therapy, with the aim of advancing clinical understanding and improving rehabilitation outcomes for individuals affected by musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Keywords
tissue stiffness, therapeutic, manipulation
Disciplines
Biomechanics | Other Kinesiology
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Wade, Loran D. Jr, "FORCE MATTERS: AN EXPLORATION OF MANUAL THERAPIES EFFECTS ON PASSIVE TENSION PROPERTIES OF THE LOWER EXTREMITY." (2025). Kinesiology Dissertations. 50.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/kinesiology_dissertations/50