About Structural Relief Therapy
One of my teaching assistants Cookie said, "You're not going to tell them everything, are you? I mean if you tell them everything they won't need to buy your book or come to a class." If I use the accepted marketing model she would be right. But I heard a clear and profound voice in my head say, "Give away everything you know." So here is how I developed SRT.
My early experience working at the Everett Providence Hospital Pain Control Center showed me that traditional western medicine had limitations for helping people with chronic pain. I simply believed they could be helped and my lack of formal education became an asset as it kept me searching for solutions.
Finally, after taking many classes, I found Dr. Loren Rex, D.O. who taught the principles of Strain and Counterstrain, Muscle Energy, and fascia release. Over many years and many bodies I used these osteopathic principles to develop Structural Relief Therapy, a protocol to quickly and efficiently decrease the pain of my patients. (Which is why my hair is turning gray! BIO)
To stop involuntary muscle contraction, I find the SRT tender point, usually near an articulation (joint) that does not refer. I position the body until the patient tells me the SRT tender point is gone or mostly diminished. I hold this position for 90 to 120 seconds then return the body to a neutral position.
SRT also incorporates the principles of Muscle Energy Technique (MET), especially in the pelvis where it is the most efficient. For example, by a happy accident I once incorrectly positioned the body for an lumbar MET resistance and it decreased the involuntary contraction of the piriformis muscle which significantly decreased the pain of sciatica.
After using SRT to decrease involuntary muscle contraction, I usually find that what is left is shortened and/or twisted fascia. Because I do not want to create any more pain for my patients, I have developed a gentle, effective, and efficient way to work with fascia and other soft tissue.
So...How Does SRT Work?
