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Trent Nessler, PT, DPT, MPT, managing director of Baptist Sports Medicine in Nashville, TN, mentioned that some published research already exists, though sparse. Paul LaStayo, PT, PhD, published research in 1994 on total end range time (TERT) stretches that aid in obtaining range of motion. Holding a stretch for a joint at the end of its available range of motion for 10 to 15 minutes has been shown to result in better range outcomes than short-term stretches.
"If you use this concept in combination with ultrasound (due to the deep thermal effects of ultrasound), you get even better results," noted Dr. Nessler.
This can be of benefit to patients who have difficulty obtaining range of motion, such as those with total knee replacements, adhesive capsulitis, Achilles tendon repairs, etc.
PTs who put "these patients in a stretched position with the use of ultrasound can help prevent loss of motion," he said.
Resources:
LaStayo, P.C., Jaffe, R. Assessment and management of shoulder stiffness. A biomechanical approach. J Hand Ther, 7(2): 122-130, 1994.
Flowers, K.R., LaStayo, P.C. Effect of total end range time on improving passive range of motion. J Hand Ther, 7(3): 150-157, 1994.
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