Positional Release & Strain / Counterstrain

Question 1

What is a generic term to describe methods used to place a client into a space for the muscle to release on it’s own?

Answer 1

Positional Release & Strain / Counterstrain

Question 2

This technique is especially beneficial if a muscle has been?

Answer 2

Involved in protective splinting

Question 3

What technique is when we place the client in the position of injury and then place them in the direction of ease?

Answer 3

Strain / Counterstrain

Question 4

What are the indications of these techniques?

Answer 4

1. Muscle hypertonicity
2. Decrease in range of motion
3. Muscle is too painful to treat directly

Question 5

How to perform strain/counterstrain?

Answer 5

1. Therapist gently place the client in the position of injury (pain free)
2. Wait and allow the protective firing to stop and then place client in a direction of ease (also pain free) again allow client to rest in position and then back to neutral

Question 6

How to perform positional release?

Answer 6

1. Locate the tender point
2. Gently initiate the pain response with direct pressure
3. Slowly position the body until the pain subsides
4. Wait at least 30 seconds or longer until the client feels the release
5. Slowly lengthen muscle
6. Repeat steps until at normal resting length

Question 7

What are the effects of these techniques?

Answer 7

1. Reduces pain
2. Reduces muscle spasm
3. Reduces muscle hypertonicity

Question 8

What are the contraindications?

Answer 8

1. Hypermobile joints
2. Acute joint inflammation