Matrix-Therapy and Biomechanical Stimulation (BMS) for Painful Disorders – Swelling and Muscle Tension

Matrix therapy, also known as biomechanical muscle stimulation, has been a proven method of treatment for many years, in the areas of prevention, recovery and rehabilitation.

In the area of physical medicine Matrix therapy is mainly to treat a variety of painful conditions such as local circulatory problems, swelling and muscle tension.

Human muscle does not only enable visible physical activity (physical work and locomotion), but drives the rhythmic flow of fluid inside the body (by the constant, spontaneous, rhythmic activity of the muscle fibre. This constant flow supports metabolism in the ECM.

The oscillation of the biomechanical stimulation therapy must not be placed directly on the most painful point. A hamstring syndrome (achillodynia) or a heel spur may instead be treated by introduction of the vibration on the other side of the affected muscle. The support of the metabolism in the extracellular matrix takes place throughout the course of the muscle fibres. © Dr B. Dickreiter

The effect of this muscle pump on veins and lymphatic vessels during any physical activity is well known. An intact muscle at rest also promotes the return flow of lymph through veins and lymph vessels to the heart. About 2 to 3% of muscle fibre contracts continually even at rest. This fundamental property of muscles is enormously important for microcirculation and thus for cell metabolism.

Lack of these rhythmic contractions (for example in a strained or dystrophic muscle), leads to a correspondingly poor disposal of metabolic waste products from the cell area (the extracellular matrix). A kind of littering/contamination  and acidification of the cell environment leads to the chronic irritation of pain sensors and inflammatory changes in the tissues.

The specific approach of the vibration therapy depends on the exact symptoms of the patient. Vibration in the diseased area is always performed in the longitudinal direction of the muscle fibres. The anatomical knowledge of trained physiotherapists is therefore essential for the appropriate use of Matrix therapy. © Dr B. Dickreiter

A clean environment is important for cell nutrition and thus is paramount for cell metabolism and cell function. Only through cleansing the cellular environment of the muscle, improving venous and lymphatic drainage, can the vital supply of nutrients to the cells be ensured.

Under natural conditions these processes are present, occurring in the longitudinal direction of the muscle, at a certain amplitude and frequency of vibration. Exactly the same oscillations (applied to the muscles at rest and during exercise), can be replicated by the mechanical application of oscillators. This method of Matrix Therapy treatment is applied externally for 20 to 30 minutes.

Because this therapy mimics the natural mechanism of action, if used appropriately, it is not only very successful, but also enjoyable and free from side effects.

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