Passive Therapist Assisted microStretching®

Introduction

Stretch Therapy™ and the techniques involved – microStretching®, are divided into two categories: A. Self-microStretches and B. Passive Therapist Assisted. The proper instruction of the self-microStretches are used to complement the passive therapist assisted microStretching® therapy. The approach in the clinic has been to create a relaxing environment focused on diminishing neuromuscular tension, dampening the central nervous, and activating the relaxation response. Patients are assessed and treated lying down on a treatment table in either the supine or prone positions, or on either side of their body. This approach diminishes the influence of gravity on the postural muscles and minimizing their contraction to support posture. With the patient in a relaxed position, the body will reveal any asymmetries in terms of compensatory shifts in the body.

Guidelines

  1. DO NOT RUSH TO KNOW – let go of the constant need to analyze by searching and scanning using your mind and focus. Let the patient’s body unfold and inform you through your sense of feeling
  2. NOT WANTING TO CHANGE THINGS – this requires discipline and intention. The patient’s body is very complex, and it is almost impossible to know exactly what is going on, what needs to change, and in what order it needs to change
  3. NOT WORRYING ABOUT RESULTS – this creates anxiety removing you from being present. You do not properly perceive what is happening to the patient’s system. By being present, you will see more accurately the significant changes that are coming
  • All microStretching® exercises are performed bilaterally and are designed to fully support the patient’s body with use of the stability, balance, and control (SBC™) aid or other implements (i.e., pillows, towels, etc.). By properly supporting the body, the patient is more likely to relax both physically and mentally
  • During the treatment, work within the range of motion presently available due to neuromuscular tension
  • When stretching passively, make sure that the force generated during the microStretch is very gentle and is not associated with any pain and discomfort
  • If you feel that the patient is not relaxing have them perform slow deep breathing into the belly (six [6] breaths per minute)
  • Use soft vocal and/or tactile instructions to help the patient relax (i.e., tap the muscle that is being stretched, ask them to close their eyes, as well as suggest slow deep belly breathing)
  • If the patient is in chronic pain, and is unable to relax, make extensive use of the SBC™ aid for all the microStretches to promote the relaxation response
  • Use of the SBC™ aid helps to prevent repetitive stress and strain on the therapist