Main description:

Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach blends postural techniques, neurology, and functional capabilities in order to alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain and promote greater functionality. Developed by Vladimir Janda, respected neurologist and physiotherapist , the Janda approach presents a unique perspective to rehabilitation. In contrast to a more traditional structural view, the Janda approach is functional-emphasizing the importance of the sensorimotor system in controlling movement and chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes from sports and general activities. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach is the only text to offer practical, evidence-based application of Janda's theories.

Filled with illustrations, photos, and step-by-step instructions, Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance uses a systematic approach in presenting information that can be used in tandem with other clinical techniques. This resource for practitioners features the following tools:

--A rationale for rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal sytem based on the relationship between the central nervous system and the motor system --A systematic method for the functional examination of the muscular system --Treatment processes focusing on the triad of normalization of peripheral structures, restoration of muscle balance, and facilitation of afferent systems and sensorimotor training --The role of muscle imbalance and functional pathology of sensorimotor systems for specific pain complaints, including cervical pain syndrome, upper- and lower-extremity pain syndromes, and low back pain syndromes

Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance provides an evidence-based explanation of muscle imbalance. The step-by-step Janda system of evaluation is explained-including analysis of posture, balance, and gait; evaluation of movement patterns; testing of muscle length; and assessment of the soft tissue. The text explores treatment options for muscle imbalance through facilitation and inhibition techniques and sensorimotor training to restore neuromsucular function. It also includes four case studies examining musculoskeletal conditions and showing how the Janda approach compares with other treatments. This text combines theory, evidence, and applications to assist clinicians in implementing the Janda approach into their practice.

Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach focuses on the neurological aspects of muscle imbalance that are common causes of pain and dysfunction in sports and occupational activities. By distilling the scientific works of Vladimir Janda into a practical, systematic approach, this unique resource will assist health care providers in treating patients with musculoskeletal complaints as well as exercise professionals in developing appropriate exercise prescription and training programs.

Contents:

Part I. The Scientific Basis of Muscle Imbalance

Chapter 1. Structural and Functional Approaches to Muscle Imbalance

Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Fuction

Muscle Balance in Function and Pathology

Muscle Imbalance Paradigms

Summary

Chapter 2. The Sensorimotor System

Sensorimotor Hardware and Software

Neuromuscular Aspects of Postural Stability and Joint Stabilization

Pathology in Proprioception

Summary

Chapter 3. Chain Reactions

Articular Chains

Muscular Chains

Neurological Chains

Summary

Chapter 4. Pathomechanics of Musculoskeletal Pain and Muscle Imbalance

Pathology of Musculoskeletal Pain

Pathomechanics of Muscular Imbalance

Causes of Muscle Tightness and Weakness

Janda's Classification of Muscle Imbalance Patterns

Summary

Part II. Functional Evaluation of Muscle Imbalance

Chapter 5. Posture, Balance, and Gait Analysis

Muscle Analysis of Standing Posture

Evaluation of Balance

Evaluation of Gait

Summary

Chapter 6. Evaluation of Movement Patterns

Janda's Basic Movement Patterns

Additional Movement Tests Complementary to Janda's Tests

Selected Manual Muscle Tests

Summary

Chapter 7. Muscle Length Testing

Muscle Length Assessment Technique

Lower-Quarter Muscles

Upper-Quarter Muscles

Hypermobility

Summary

Chapter 8. Soft-Tissue Assessment

Characteristics of Trigger Points

Assessment of Trigger Point or Tender Point Chains

Scars

Myofascia

Summary

Part III. Treatment of Muscle Imbalance Syndromes

Chapter 9. Normalization of Peripheral Structures

Central Indirect techniques

Local Direct techniques

Summary

Chapter 10. Restoration of Muscle Balance

Factors Contributing to Muscle Weakness

Additional Treatment Techniques for Muscle Weakness

Factors Contributing to Muscle Tightness

Additional Treatment Techniques for Muscle Tightness

Summary

Chapter 11. Sensorimotor Training

Role of Sensorimotor Training in Janda's Treatment

Sensorimotor Training Components

Sensorimotor Training Progression

Summary

Part IV. Clinical Syndromes

Chapter 12. Cervical Pain Syndromes

Regional Considerations

Common Pathologies

Case Study

Summary

Chapter 13. Upper-Extremity Pain Syndromes

Regional Considerations

Assessment

Common Pathologies

Case Study

Summary

Chapter 14. Lumbar Pain Syndromes

Regional Considerations

Common Pathologies

Sacroiliac Dysfunction

Assessment

Management of Low Back Pain Syndromes

Case Study

Conclusion

Summary

Chapter 15. Lower-Extremity Pain Syndromes

Regional Considerations

Assessment

Common Pathologies

Case Study

Summary