By: Haashwein Moganan
Solo Indonesia: Five students from Faculty of Sport Science and Coaching had an excellent opportunity to learn on traction and alignment for sport rehabilitation, during their visit to Universitas Sebelas Maret Indonesia. In this session, the class was taught by Mr. Abdul Aziz Purnomo Shidiq, the lecturer in charge of the course at Faculty of Sport UNS. The lesson commenced with a concise self-introduction by Mr. Aziz, followed by an introduction to the course.
Before taking the course, the students had a clear understanding that rehabilitation massage is of utmost importance in the field of sports medicine, as it helps players recover from injuries and improves their overall performance. However, in this class, the students have been taught on different perspective that there are various methods for sport injury recovery, one of which is sport massage, which was emphasised in this course. Massage therapy has several advantages for sports injuries, including the reduction of inflammation, relaxation of tense muscles, and realignment of muscles by traction. Traction and alignment treatments have become prominent in sports rehabilitation due to their ability to provide focused interventions for musculoskeletal problems. In the initial phase of the massage, students were instructed on the fundamental principles of massage and the specific techniques to be applied to each muscle group. They also were instructed on the four massage techniques: friction, traction, repositioning, and effleurage, all of which include utilizing the thumbs.
In the context of addressing elbow injuries through massage therapy, the directional component of the massage involves a deliberate upward motion, commencing from the extensor and flexor carpi ulnaris and progressing towards the biceps. This methodical progression is designed not only to promote blood flow in an upward trajectory but also to mitigate the risk of exacerbating the injury site. The emphasis lies in circumventing any undue aggravation to the affected area during the therapeutic intervention. Concurrently, the traction and positioning aspects of the massage are executed with precision to enhance efficacy and ensure patient comfort. The hand of the patient is meticulously positioned in a relaxed manner, with particular attention given to bracing the brachioradialis using the practitioner’s thumb and fingers. Subsequent to this preparatory step, a controlled axial traction is initiated steadily. This measured approach serves the dual purpose of fostering therapeutic benefits while minimizing the potential for discomfort or inadvertent exacerbation of the elbow injury.
In instances where the injury manifests in the wrists, the massage protocol necessitates a nuanced adjustment. The sequence commences with massage initiation from the phalanges, progressing methodically towards the metacarpals and carpals, and gradually extending focus towards the extensor and flexor carpi ulnaris. Notably, this approach is tailored to address the unique anatomical considerations of the wrist region. The concurrent traction and positioning technique for wrist injuries involve the placement of both thumbs between the proximal carpal and ulnar/radius bones. This is executed in a pronated position, concurrently with the application of axial traction. This meticulous manoeuvre aims to optimize therapeutic benefits while maintaining a focus on patient safety and comfort during the massage.
In the course of administering a knee massage, the patient should assume a supine position, lying comfortably on their back or in a mildly reclined posture. The massage is performed in an upwards direction from the tibialis muscle from the extensor hallucis longus. The traction technique employed during a knee massage involves the practitioner positioning the hands-on extensor hallucis longus and the gastrocnemius muscle. Subsequently, a gentle yet purposeful application of pressure is executed pulling downwards, creating a subtle separation between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). This deliberate manoeuvre sets the foundation for the implementation of axial traction, characterized by a controlled and gradual pull exerted on the lower leg away from the thigh. It is paramount to execute this manoeuvre while ensuring the lower limb remains in a relaxed position.
To summarise, the scholarly examination of various methods emphasises the significance of a methodical and personalised approach when it comes to massage therapy for sport injuries. The use of particular techniques for direction, traction, and placement demonstrates a dedication to evidence-based practises, which enhances the overall effectiveness and safety of the therapeutic intervention. It is important to highlight that both Indonesia and Malaysia have vibrant cultural traditions that have shaped their approaches to healthcare, including sports rehabilitation. An analysis of past customs and societal convictions on massage therapy could offer valuable understanding of the origins of modern rehabilitation methods in these nations. Overall, the students’ participation in the outbound mobility program in Universitas Sebelas Maret Indonesia enhanced their knowledge and skills in sports rehabilitation, contributing to their overall academic and professional development.
