Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sports massage? A Sports massage is a massage that is specific to an area. It uses different techniques such as muscle energy technique. This is used to stretch and relax muscle.

What is MET? MET is a muscle energy technique where physios use the same energy stored in the muscles itself to correct a certain dysfunction. In simple words, MET uses own muscle force while the physios represents as a anti-force or stationary surface. Muscle energy technique or MET is basically a broad terminology used in chiropractic practice which covers following different techniques.

What is Active Isolated Stretching? Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is one of the methods of stretching most used by today's athletes, massage therapists, personal/athletic trainers, and professionals. Active Isolated Stretching allows the body to repair itself and also to prepare for daily activity. The Active Isolated Stretching technique involves the method of holding each stretch for only two seconds. This method of stretching is also known to work with the body's natural physiological makeup to improve circulation and increase the elasticity of muscle joints and fascia.

What is Reciprocal Inhibition (Stretching)? When an agonist contracts, in order to cause the desired motion, it usually forces the antagonists to relax (See "1.4 - Cooperating Muscle Groups"). This phenomenon is called "reciprocal inhibition" because the antagonists are inhibited from contracting. This is sometimes called "reciprocal innervation" but that term is really a misnomer since it is the agonists which inhibit (relax) the antagonists. The antagonists do *not* actually innervate (cause the contraction of) the agonists.

What is Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)? An active stretching technique where the patient is asked to gently resist a stretch position for 10 seconds followed by an exhale upon relaxation. Then the practitioner waits to feel the muscle fully relax before stretching the patient further.

What is Myofascial Release? A form of bodywork using long stretching strokes that seek to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia/connective tissue? Myofascial Release is a highly specialized stretching technique used by therapists to treat patients with a variety of soft tissue problems. Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain and increasing range of motion. Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.

What is Neuromuscular Therapy? (also see Trigger Point Therapy and Muscle Energy Techniques) - Massage techniques that work with the nervous system to release muscular holding patterns

Trigger Point? Irritated area in muscle fibers that when compressed may elicit pain or a twitching response in local or distal regions. As defined by Dr. Janett Travell, a trigger point is a hyperirritable tender spot in an abused muscle that refers pain ("triggers pain") to other muscles.