Gentle Touch Releases Tight Neck Muscles
Osteopathic Method Offers Painless Fix, Restores Range of Motion
Nov 21, 2008
Many of us suffer from tight neck muscles at one time or another. Especially with the holidays approaching, stress can reach high levels. After spending too much time on the computer, or carrying heavy bags, you might suddenly feel your neck “lock up”. Your neck muscles, when they really tighten, can make it hard to turn your head to one side. It’s painful and often debilitating. If you’ve had it happen, you know how it can interrupt your life.
Tight Muscle Solutions
There are many solutions available to help relax tight neck muscles. Some prefer massage, acupuncture, chiropractic or osteopathic care (see definitions below), while others prefer milder methods such as a bath, deep breathing, or even just rest.
For those that need a quick fix, or are in a lot of pain, there is a technique called positional release. Developed by an osteopath in 1955, many clinicians and therapists use it successfully on their patients today. Due to its gentle nature, it’s also an especially good technique for those that shy away from chiropractic care.
Positional Release Defined
Positional release is a mild adjustment that an osteopath, chiropractor, physical therapist or massage therapist can do for you. It works alone or in conjunction with other solutions.
Lawrence Jones, D.O., F.A.A.O created and developed the technique. It involves two elements. First, the clinician or therapist identifies the tender points on the patient’s body, be it the neck or another part of the body. Next he manipulates the patient into a position in which the patient has the least pain and is the most comfortable. In essence, the therapist is relaxing the tight muscles as much as possible, and trying to restore them to their original state. It might involve lifting a patient’s arm to a unique angle where there is no strain or tension left in the neck. Patients know when the therapist has found the magic spot, because there is sudden relief from pain.
Once the patient is relaxed, the therapist then holds this position for about 90 seconds. This allows the muscle to return to its original state and begin to heal. At the end of the 90 seconds, the patient is slowly returned to a more normal body posture and re-evaluated.
Proof in the Position
According to Donna Parise Byrne, P.T., OCS,the unique element about positional release is that there is no coaxing or forcing involved. Instead of rubbing or stretching the muscle, therapists are putting the muscle 'on slack', so that it can rest, “re-set” and heal.
“I use positional release on my patients that have neck problems or even tight psoas muscles (located at the top of the thigh),” says Donna, who is a physical therapist, pilates teacher and owner of Pilates Central, which is located just north of Chicago.
“I have patients that come in who are in pain and barely able to turn their head,” she continued. “But often, after I use positional release on them, the movement has returned. It’s really a wonderful technique that helps the muscles relax and relieves pain.”
While positional release does not always work the first time on every patient, continued treatments almost always bring some sort of relief.
Not surprising, positional release will work best when it’s incorporated with a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a good diet. All these elements together offer the best chance of a speedy recovery and delayed future pain.
While the holiday season moves forward into full swing, don’t forget to take a moment and breathe deeply. But if you do end up with a sore neck, ask your favorite therapist or clinician about positional release. It just might bring you the relief you need.
References: Jones Institute
Definitions:
Osteopathic medicine: According to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), osteopathic medicine is a complete system of healthcare with a philosophy that combines the needs of the patient with the current practice of medicine. Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) practice a whole-person approach, which means they consider both the physical and mental needs of their patients.
Chiropractic: According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
Physical Therapists help people with orthopedic conditions such as low back pain or osteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries such as fractures and dislocations; neurologic conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or Parkinson's disease; connective tissue injuries such as burns or wounds; cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and workplace injuries including repetitive stress disorders and sports injuries.
