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Unlocking Pain Relief with Positional Muscle Release: A Physio 360 Approach.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • Jun 5
  • 2 min read


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INTRODUCTION;

When it comes to relieving chronic pain and muscle tension, many people turn to massage, stretching, or medication. But there’s a lesser-known technique that’s gaining traction in modern physiotherapy: Positional Muscle Release (PMR). At Physio 360, we specialise in advanced, evidence-based treatments, and PMR is one of the most effective tools in our toolkit.


What Is Positional Muscle Release?

Positional Muscle Release, also known as strain-counterstrain, is a gentle, hands-on technique that uses the body’s positioning to release tension in specific muscles. Unlike traditional stretching or deep tissue massage, PMR doesn't force the muscle into relaxation—it encourages the muscle to relax.

The process involves:

  • Identifying a tender or tight area (trigger point)

  • Placing the affected muscle or joint into a comfortably shortened position

  • Holding the position for around 90 seconds

  • Gradually returning to a neutral position

This allows the muscle spindle—part of the body’s proprioceptive system—to reset, reducing the perceived need for tension and restoring normal function.


How Does It Work?

PMR is based on the principle of reducing the "protective reflex" in the muscle. When a muscle is overworked or injured, it can go into a protective spasm. This often leads to pain, stiffness, and restricted motion. By placing the muscle in a position of comfort, we essentially "trick" the nervous system into letting go of the tension.

At Physio 360, our trained physiotherapists use their hands to locate the source of discomfort and guide the body into positions that relieve stress on the muscle. It’s non-invasive, relaxing, and often provides immediate relief.




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Conditions That Respond Well to PMR

Positional Muscle Release can be especially beneficial for:

  • Neck and back pain

  • Sciatica

  • Fibromyalgia

  • TMJ (jaw) dysfunction

  • Sports injuries

  • Postural imbalances

  • Tension headaches

Whether you're a weekend warrior or recovering from surgery, PMR is a valuable addition to your treatment plan.


The Physio 360 Advantage

At Physio 360, we don’t just treat symptoms—we focus on holistic, patient-centred care. Our team blends traditional and modern physiotherapy techniques to address the root cause of your pain. PMR is just one of the many manual therapy techniques we use to help our clients move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.

What sets Physio 360 apart?

  • Experienced, certified practitioners

  • One-on-one, personalised sessions

  • Integrated rehab programs

  • A commitment to ongoing education and evidence-based care




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Ready to Try PMR?

If you’ve tried other treatments with little success or simply want a gentler way to manage your pain, Positional Muscle Release could be the key. Book an appointment with Physio 360 today and discover how this subtle yet powerful technique can help you reclaim your comfort and mobility.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE.

1.Positional release therapy and therapeutic massage reduce muscle trigger and tender pointshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34776151/


2.UNLOCKING RELIEF: THE MAGIC OF MANUAL MUSCLE RELEASE AND STRETCHING WITH HOT PACKS FOR PIRIFORMIS SYNDROMEhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/376007689_UNLOCKING_RELIEF_THE_MAGIC_OF_MANUAL_MUSCLE_RELEASE_AND_STRETCHING_WITH_HOT_PACKS_FOR_PIRIFORMIS_SYNDROME


 
 
 

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