Stretch Reflex.

Massage therapists and osteopaths use techniques to trick the body into releasing tension. Bodies react reflexively all the time and in all sorts of ways without our conscious thought. A particularly useful one is the stretch reflex. What we feel when we stretch is the nervous system "putting the brakes on" under the threat of overstretching. It is an important distinction to make and a therapist uses this knowledge when tackling a shortened muscle which may be causing postural imbalance or local pain in a joint. Lengthening a muscle requires knowing where each end attaches onto the human frame and then drawing those two ends apart from each other in a way that allows the nervous system to "let go". This can take up to 30 seconds in a held position. An impatient jogger racing through their stretches, post-exercise, while checking their times on a watch will not be getting the most effective release - taking time, breathing and being calm is essential.

Lengthening muscle by striking a pose and holding it for a sufficient time is one way to reduce tension and one that is commonplace. This may not work, however, if the muscle is chronically short or not being helped out by other muscles to balance its length. This is where the therapist comes into their own using a bag of tricks: post isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition exploit the dynamics between muscle pairings; soft tissue release and neuro-muscular technique use trigger points to ease local tension; myofascial release targets the web of connective tissue that bounds the muscles and broader structures together and positional release attempts to find a position of ease for the client.

With all these tools at the therapist's disposal, results can be achieved quickly and often with immediate relief. More internal balance and harmony means better function and energy and a constant feeding of well-being.