At 07:30 AM 6/19/02 -0400, you wrote:
How are you
differentiating hamstring tightness from neural tension?
Good question. I would agree that it is difficult to do this from a
purely biomechanical perspective but the physiologic response to neural
irritation (sympathetic increase) as opposed to muscular nociception
(parasympathetic increase) may offer an additional clue.
Personally, I simply assume it's the nerve to begin with and treat
accordingly. If there is no immediate response toward increased range and
warmth I assume it really is the muscle and go from there. I suppose it's
both at times, especially in a very strong athlete with a specific
history indicating a sudden traumatic onset of pain while engaged in a
stressful manuever.
Barrett L. Dorko, P.T.
<http://barrettdorko.com>
