Trigger Point Therapy - Passive Release Technique for Hamstring Muscles

Stuart Hinds - Passive Positional Release Technique for Hamstring Muscles

About Positional Release Techniques

Positional Release techniques (also known as Strain-Counterstrain) are a form of hands-on treatment that are used to alleviate muscle and connective tissue tightness with the use of specific treatment positions which are generally held for between 1.5 and 3.0 minutes.

History

Osteopath Lawrence Jones D.O. is credited with the formal introduction of Passive Positional Release Techniques in the 1960's.  

Dr. Lawrence demonstrated how during PRT, the involved tissue is "slackened" causing a relaxation of the "spasm" which, in turn, helps local areas of inflammation, trapped within the painful tissue to dissipate.

PRT and Trigger Point Therapy

Positional Release Therapy (PRT) has been adopted by many therapists as an effective part of the trigger point therapy mix, and is typically used following the direct application of compression or soft tissue therapy.

Neurological Chain Links

By positioning the body and tissue in positions of comfort, PRT's can be used to help manipulate the neurological system to interrupt the pain-spasm cycle and to reset the resting length of tissue to a "normal" range.

PRT is basically the opposite of stretching and works just like undoing a knot from a necklace chain.

With PRT tissues are pushed together and manipulated to take tension off "neurological chain links."

Helping the Body to Self-Correct

The objective of PRT is to induce a positive healing environment by addressing musculoskeletal and neurological imbalances, thereby facilitating tissue regeneration, repair, and growth - i.e. helping the body to self-correct.

Suitability

PRT is typically comfortable for the client, and is suitable for most painful conditions, and for clients of all ages.

Stuart Hinds is one of Australia's leading soft tissue therapists and is internationally recognized for his work with the Australian Olympic Teams (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012). 

This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.