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Benefits of Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique

Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT) SMRT is a positional release modality. The principles of SMRT are similar to Strain Counterstrain and PRT. When we use SMRT, we move the tissue or body part into a position of ease or comfort. In other words, if tissue is shortened, we shorten it further.  What we believe is happening when we do passively move tissue into its existing pattern is described in a theory called Proprioceptive Theory.

Proprioceptive Theory states, in simple terms, that when tissue is in a dysfunctional pattern there is an imbalance in activity between the golgi tendon organs and the muscle spindle cells that leaves the muscle spindle cells more sensitive.  This sensitivity leads to increased restriction and sustained contraction.  SMRT positions decrease muscle spindle cell activity and restore length to shortened tissues.

What is the benefit of SMRT for practitioners?

1. faster results, we hold SMRT positions for 20 to 45 seconds
2. easy on the therapist, positions should be done in a small, slow, controlled fashion.
3. little to no pain for the client
4. effective, lasting treatments

Clients receiving SMRT treatments have reported the following:

1. that SMRT positions are incredibly relaxing giving them a feeling of euphoria
2. that they feel like the smallest movements are working deep within their body
3. reduction in pain while the position is being held
4. decreased inflammation, typically after one or two positions
5. increased movement when the session is over
6. results that last longer then other therapies they have experienced

To be clear, Proprioceptive Theory is a theory that we subscribe to.  There is a fair amount of research on both Strain Counterstrain and PRT that supports this theory.  Research studies have not been done one SMRT, but we have 25 years of (mostly) positive clinical outcomes done by thousands of SMRT therapists on tens of thousands of clients.  If you would like more technical language or a greater understanding of how positional release modalities act on the nervous system, here are a few articles to look at (there are many more available):

• https://www.quora.com/How-does-the-gamma-motor-neuron-affect-the-stretch-reflex
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273124893_Top-10_Positional-Release_Therapy_Techniques_to_Break_the_Chain_of_Pain_Part_1
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma_motor_neuron

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