Tissue Flossing
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Tissue flossing (mainly known by brand names: RockFloss or Rogue Fitness Voodoo Floss) is an increasingly popular treatment modality. It has also been known as Blood Flow Restriction therapy/training (BFR).
Mainly used by athletes and sporting physiotherapists or practitioners to: reduce pain, increase range of movement (ROM) and improve flexibility.
Little evidence is currently known into how this works or why it leads to an increase in ROM or pain reduction[1]. Although multiple blogs have been published theorizing the concept.
Theory[edit | edit source]
On applying the band proximally to the joint to be mobilised this causes compression and venous constriction[2]. The effect of compression has also been theorised to help reduce oedema and aid excess fluid return into the lymphatic system.
After removing the compression the re-perfusion of the blood to the muscle tissue can theoretically improve ROM and decrease pain. [2]
On testing in male athletes with uninjured shoulders there found to be no significant clinical improvement in ROM or power output. [1]
One study testing a larger cohort of male and female athletes found to be a clinical improvement in ankle ROM post treatment as well as an increase in single leg jump height and velocity[2]
Application[edit | edit source]
Clinical Implications[edit | edit source]
- Little evidence to show either positive or negative support for use of tissue flossing
- Short lasting effect after application approximately 45 min[4]
Resources[edit | edit source]
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6ygP7rWwb4
- https://www.massagemag.com/science-floss-bands-mobility-88142/
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Plocker D, Wahlquist B, Dittrich B. Effects of tissue flossing on upper extremity range of motion and power. Ininternational journal of exercise Science: Conference proceedings 2015 (Vol. 12, No. 1, p. 37).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Driller MW, Overmayer RG. The effects of tissue flossing on ankle range of motion and jump performance. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2017 May 1;25:20-4.
- ↑ Rock Tape Go stronger go longer. Rock Tape - RockFloss tutorial - Calf. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6ygP7rWwb4 [last accessed 27/10/2017]
- ↑ Driller M, Mackay K, Mills B, Tavares F. Tissue flossing on ankle range of motion, jump and sprint performance: A follow-up study. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2017 Nov 1;28:29-33.
