At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we know that spinal manipulation is not the only tool that should be considered when designing a treatment plan for our patients. Muscle restrictions, scar tissue, and neuromuscular imbalances may be limiting your progress and even restrict joint movement. For some patients, integrating muscle release techniques such as active release technique (ART), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and post-isometric relaxation (PIR) may help address these soft-tissue barriers. At our clinic, we consider use of these methods and others with regular chiropractic care, with the goal of achieving deeper, longer-lasting results.
Understanding muscle release techniques
Muscle release techniques focus on restoring normal muscle length, reducing adhesions, and re-educating neuromuscular control. Unlike general massage, these approaches use specific sequences of tension, stretch, and movement to target problem areas. When applied before or after spinal manipulation, they could help soft tissues support your new alignment rather than resist it.
Key objectives include:
- Breaking down scar tissue and fascial adhesions
- Improving muscle flexibility and joint range of motion
- Calming hyper-tonic (overactive) muscle fibres
- Promoting neuromuscular reset for better motor control
Active release technique (ART)
Active release technique is a hands-on method that combines deep tension with precise patient movements. Your chiropractor locates tight bands or “knots” in the muscle and applies targeted pressure while you actively lengthen or shorten the tissue.
Objectives of ART in chiropractic care:
- Disrupt cross-links in scar tissue for smoother glide between muscles and fascia
- Release entrapped nerves to reduce radiating pain and tingling
- Prepare muscles for more effective spinal manipulation by reducing guarding
- Accelerate recovery from repetitive strain injuries common in desk workers and athletes
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
PNF uses strategic patterns of contraction and relaxation to improve muscle elasticity and neuromuscular coordination. During a PNF stretch, you resist the chiropractors force (isometric contraction) then relax to achieve a deeper passive stretch.
How PNF aims to support chiropractic treatment:
- Enhance joint stability by re-educating muscle firing patterns around the spine
- Increase range of motion more quickly than passive stretching alone
- Complement manipulations by teaching muscles to maintain new joint positions
- Reduce post-manipulation soreness through gradual, controlled lengthening
Post-isometric relaxation (PIR)
PIR is a gentle stretch technique that leverages the muscle’s own reflexes. You perform an isometric contraction against light resistance, then as the muscle relaxes, your chiropractor takes up the slack with a subtle stretch.
Possible PIR advantages in a chiropractic setting:
- Ideal for patients with acute pain or high muscle sensitivity
- Encourages deeper relaxation in small or intricate muscle groups
- Maintains stability after spinal manipulation by preventing muscle rebound
- Offers a low-abduction option for those unable to tolerate more aggressive techniques
Integrating these methods with chiropractic care
To optimise outcomes, we may sequence muscle release around any manipulations:
- Pre-manipulation release: Techniques like ART and PNF soften tight muscles that could resist spinal manipulation.
- Chiropractic manipulation: With relaxed tissues, manipulations should be smoother and more precise.
- Post-manipulation PIR: Gentle PIR stretches help tissues reset around the new alignment, reducing recoil and soreness.
By creating this flow, each appointment builds on the last, aiming to deliver cumulative benefits in pain relief and mobility.
Your first integrated session begins with a comprehensive evaluation of spinal alignment, muscle tone, and movement patterns. We will determine if release techniques are suitable and which best address your unique presentation, so we can craft a personalised treatment plan.
Get in touch
At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to helping you if we can. If you suspect that your discomfort may be helped by muscle release techniques, we encourage you to contact us for a personalised consultation. Our experienced chiropractic team will conduct a thorough assessment, explain our findings and what we think is possible in clear terms. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals, aiming to maximise your possible benefit.
Not all complaints are suitable for chiropractic care or a specific treatment technique. If we think we cannot help your complaint, or you require more investigations, we will do our best to support you in finding another path forward.