Psoas Release E-Manual - Positional Release Techniques

Positional Release is an advanced therapy that reduces pain by placing the body into positions of comfort. The notion that certain body positions can benefit health goes back thousands of years, (from yoga to the martial arts). In America, different systems of healing have emphasized the use of positioning to release acute and chronic pain. Though not as well known as more traditional methods, releasing pain through positioning is effective, safe and gentle.

In the 1950’s Lawrence Jones, D.O. discovered by accident that when he placed the body into a comfortable position pain and dysfunction would heal quickly. He initially called this approach to pain “spontaneous release by positioning.” This work is now known generically as Positional Release or as the "fold and hold" technique." In many cases the position created is the original position of injury. Positional Release Massage is a variation that has been developed for use by Massage professionals.

Positional Release works with the sensors within our muscles that cause most of our painful symptoms. Tender points develop when the sensors of the proprioceptive reflex system in the body become dysfunctional. These sensors monitor our physical structure at all times including our sense of movement and posture. The reflex arcs, which are created by this information, help coordinate all of our movements, muscle tone, and maintain our posture and form physical habits.

The most comfortable position is always the best position. Within 10 to 90 seconds the body begins to release spasm, restore normal muscle tone, increase circulation, remove pressure on nerves, and allow bones and joints to move freely. All the energy and attention that was used to deal with pain is now available to the body’s healing process.

Postitional Release may be helpful for a wide range of problems including:

Arthritic conditions
Allergies and asthma
Back and disk problems
Neck pain and tension headaches
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Foot and ankle pain
Psoas / hip pain
Sciatica
Sports injuries and performance enhancement
Sprains of various joints
Stress management and prevention
Whiplash and other impact injuries

Postitional Release works with pain from a holistic perspective. Holistic healing is a philosophical approach to health care that evaluates and treats the patient as a complex and integrated being. Rather than search for a single reason for pain we look at the whole person. We look at the origins and history of a problem; its relationship with other pains in the body; and multiple factors that may be directly or indirectly involved. Each session is crafted to the unique needs of the client.

A Treatment example: Many clients that see us have low back pain, and pain running down a leg. Often releasing the hip muscles (psoas muscle) helps the body reduce these painful symptoms. In such cases we locate a tender point related to the problem, move the hips into the position of comfort, hold or adjust the position until there is change. We could repeat this and/or look for other points and positions that may be involved. Corresponding points on the feet might be addressed through direct pressure. A gentle movement might be used to integrate the changes that occurred.

There are some conditions where Positional Release is not recommended. These include: circulatory ailments such as phlebitis or varicose veins and it should never be performed directly over bruises, open wounds, inflamed or infected injuries, areas of bleeding or heavy tissue damage, or at the sites of recent fractures. It's best to consult your obstetrician before any bodywork session during pregnancy.

Postitional Release Massage may be of benefit to all ages and is complimentary to most health modalities; it is not meant to and should not replace sound advice and treatment from your family physician.