Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2025

Spring 2025 • 61

and then manipulating them to reduce pain and tension. The basic hypothesis of how PRT influence soft tissues is via interruption of the pain-spasm cycle of the nervous system. By introduction of the affected muscle or tissue in a less painful, more comfortable position, the practitioner encourages relaxation and can decrease muscle tension, which may aid in reduction of pain and discomfort. Potential Contraindications or Cautions for Using Positional Release Technique (PRT) • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications • Open wounds • Local bacterial infections • Bruises • Local skin diseases • Areas of decreased sensation • Fragile skin Steps for Positional Release Technique 1. Locate a tender area of soft tissue or a trigger point.

2. Gently initiate a pain response with direct pressure. The pain shouldn’t be more than a 7 out of 10. 3. Gently move the tissue, limb and/or the body until the pain has decreased to a 2 or 3 out of 10 while continuing palpation of the tender area. 4. Wait anywhere from 60 to 120 seconds until the area relaxes. 5. Slowly release the pressure and passively stretch the area. 6. Reassess to notice any changes in the tissue texture. Fascial Mobilization Techniques Fascial mobilization techniques go by many different names, including myofascial release, fascial release and functional technique, to name a few. Most of them have a number of things in common, like consistent pressure and time.

Positional release technique

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