Integrative Neuro-Muscular Relaxation Technique for Hamstrings

0:00 - 02:58 Theory
02:59 - 03:53 Toe-touch test
03:54 - 16:35 Practice
16:36 - 17:30 Post-practice test.
Here is a five-fold relaxation technique for the hamstring muscles that works by combining the effects of neurological feedback mechanisms that reduce muscle contraction and allow for improved lengthening:
- Post-isometric relaxation
- Autogenic inhibition
- Inhibition of stretch reflex
- Antagonist inhibition
- Physiological sighing breathing pattern.
Many of these mechanisms are well-known in manual therapy (see below). However, I am not aware of any literature combining all five elements. Especially interesting might be a combination of the elongation of the muscle-to-tendon junction (rich with Golgi Tendon Organs) while shortening the muscle belly (to quiet muscle spindles by bringing them as close to slack position as possible.) In addition, utilization of the Cyclic Breathing pattern can further the relaxation response.
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a technique that was developed in 1948 by Fred Mitchell, Sr, D.O. In the technique, gentle isometric contractions are used to relax the muscles via autogenic or reciprocal inhibition and lengthen the muscles.
Post-isometric relaxation is a technique developed by Karel Lewitt. Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) is the effect of the decrease in muscle tone in a single muscle or group of muscles after a brief period of submaximal isometric contraction of the same muscle. PIR works on the concept of autogenic inhibition.
Strain Counterstrain was developed in 1955 by Dr. Lawrence Jones. Counterstrain utilizes diagnostic tender points to identify painful, reflexively protected, and contracted tissues. Compressing or shortening the area of dysfunction relaxes the guarded muscles.
Huberman and Spiegel led a randomized, controlled trial involving 111 volunteers, comparing cyclic sighing to two other types of breathing exercises, including a control group of participants who passively observed their breath during five minutes of mindful meditation.
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[@elliottshapiro8601]

Very nice class. Easy, Comfortable, Informative, and Effective.

[@ketanparmar3153]

Super

[@darlenecarman7644]

Thank you I really enjoy your teachings. I love the variation on breath. This technique reminds me of pandiculation, adding the breath was wonderful thank you

[@luzarsacdetoro903]

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