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Body Tempering: The Weighted Technique Revolutionizing Soft Tissue Treatment

Updated: 4 days ago


Physical therapist performing body tempering to a patient with low back pain. The patient is lying prone and relaxed

Historically, the term tempering has been associated with metal work - a process used to harden metal. However, body tempering is a recently developed soft tissue treatment that has been found to help reduce pain, improve soft tissue extensibility, and facilitate tissue repair (Avalos et al. 2018). So while the tempering of old hardened metal, present-day body tempering reduces the stiffness of soft tissues, though ironically, it does so with the use of a tool made of, you guessed it, hard metal.







What Is Body Tempering and How Does It Work?


Body tempering involves the use of a cylindrical weighted metal tool by an experienced clinician, designed to provide heavy pressure along specific muscles and fascia. The weight of the tempering tool varies according to the location of the target tissue and the needs of the individual, however, it is not unusual for me to use a 50 pound tempering bar to the back, hamstrings, and calves of my clients. Certainly the amount of time my clients spend under the tempering tool will vary too, but because it is relaxing and therapeutic, clients enjoy it (you know, that feel good kind of hurt)!



Physical therapist performing body tempering to a hamstring muscle on a client with right leg pain. The client is prone and relaxed.



Body Tempering vs. Other Recovery Methods


So why not use a foam roller or a pneumatic device (i.e. massager) for muscle recovery? Avalos and colleagues found that athletes receiving body tempering treatment reported feeling more relaxed and had less soreness than those who used a foam roller or a pneumatic device. In addition, these athletes improved their vertical jump performance AFTER their tempering treatment. If that doesn't make you jump for joy maybe it's because you can't jump - which if that's true, body tempering may be right for you!




TRUE STORY: A client came to my office because of forearm pain. As a weight lifter he was having difficulty with lifting as a result of his pain, and he wanted to get back to lifting ASAP. After my comprehensive assessment, I discovered that his pain was coming from his biceps and pronator muscles. I performed several techniques including scraping, cupping, electric dry needling, and body tempering. Following the tempering treatment, my client reported feeling amazing, like "I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW GOOD I FEEL" amazing. At his follow-up visit he reported being able to lift more than he had previously lifted and no longer had pain. Tempering for the win!


Physical therapist performing body tempering to a client's calf muscle. The client is lying prone with his legs resting comfortably on a pillow.

The Science Behind Body Tempering Benefits


Additional research has shown that body tempering can reduce muscle spasms and reduce trigger points (Treaster et al. 2006; Schleip 2003). This is likely due to several factors such as increased lubrication between muscles and fascia, the release of nitric oxide (which increases local blood flow), and the release of soft tissue adhesions (Aboodarda et al. 2015). But whatever the reasons behind its beneficial effects, body tempering is a valuable tool I use in my clinical practice.





Who Can Benefit From Body Tempering?


Whether you're recovering from an injury, experiencing pain or soreness from an activity, or are wanting to improve your tissue extensibility, body tempering may be just the thing to help you get to where you want to be! Come in for a free consultation to see if body tempering is right for you.


Physical therapist performing body tempering to a female client with back pain. The therapist is slowly compressing the tissues with his tempering tool and the patient is lying prone on a treatment table.


So while your temper may get you into trouble from time to time, this kind of temper(ing) may get you out of trouble, albeit with some weighty consequences! Temper your muscles and you just might find it improves your temper (and your recovery).


Here's to your health and your recovery.


Dr. David Didlake, DPT

PT, Cert. SMT/DN, CSCS, Cert. TPI Medical Level 3, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT

Owner, Integrative Therapeutics "Home of the Saint Louis Golf Doc"

Follow me @theintegrativeclinic @thestlgolfdoc


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Body Tempering FAQ


How long does a body tempering session last?

Typical sessions last 10-20 minutes depending on the area(s) being treated.


Is body tempering painful?

While you'll feel significant pressure, most clients describe it as a "good hurt" that leads to relief.


How often should I get body tempering treatment?

Frequency depends on your goals and body's response, but many clients benefit from 1-2 sessions weekly.


What makes body tempering different from foam rolling?

Body tempering uses significantly more weight and pressure than foam rolling, providing deeper tissue penetration and more lasting effects. Body tempering is also passive, which helps muscles to relax during treatment.


References

For those interested in the scientific evidence behind body tempering, we've included a few key research citations:


  1. Avalos C, Chapa C, Espinoza L, et al. Acute Effects of Recovery Methods on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Males and Females. Department of Health and Human Performance. 5(6) 2018.

  2. Treaster D, Marras WS, Burr D, et al. Myofascial trigger point development from visual and postural stressors during computer work. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2006; 16(2), 115–124

  3. Schleip R. Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation Part 2. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2003;7(2):104-116.

  4. Aboodarda S, Spence A, Button DC. Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2015;16(1).


This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.

 
 
 

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