Positional Release (Strain-Counterstrain) – Theresa A. Schmidt

Course Description

Positional Release (Strain-Counterstrain) – Theresa A. Schmidt

Positional Release Technique (PRT) helps to reduce painful trigger points, correct abnormal neuromuscular tension patterns, and improve mobility.  With PRT, clinicians use specific joint positioning to inhibit excessive tone and relieve trigger points. Evidence shows that PRT reduces pain, improves range of motion, and may increase strength and function.

PRT may be readily applied in a variety of clinical situations in which there is limited mobility and pain due to abnormal muscle tension. These techniques are gentle enough to be applied across the lifespan for clients with orthopedic or neuromuscular dysfunction. You will learn how to take advantage of proprioceptive reflexes to optimize functional results in clinical practice.

1. Discuss the theoretical basis and research evidence for positional release/strain-counterstrain (PRT)
2. Identify common trigger points (TPs) which are indicators of joint dysfunction
3. Position a client to reduce the sensitivity of selected TPs to allow spontaneous release of abnormal neuromuscular tension, decrease pain, and improve mobility

• LECTURE ON NEUROPHYSIOLOGY, HISTORYAND REVIEW OF EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH ON POSITIONAL RELEASE (PRT).
• DEMONSTRATION OF PALPATION FOR SPECIFIC TRIGGER POINTS. PRACTICE OF TRIGGER POINT LOCALIZATION.
• DEMONSTRATION OF SELECTED TREATMENT TECHNIQUES FOR POSITIONAL RELEASE WITH CLINICAL EXAMPLES.