Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique

Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT) is a positional release modality. When we use SMRT, we move the tissue or body part into a position of ease or comfort. In other words, if tissue is shortened, we shorten it further.  What we believe is happening when we do passively move tissue into its existing pattern is described in a theory called Proprioceptive Theory.

Proprioceptive Theory states, in simple terms, that when tissue is in a dysfunctional pattern there is an imbalance in activity between the golgi tendon organs and the muscle spindle cells that leaves the muscle spindle cells more sensitive.  This sensitivity leads to increased restriction and sustained contraction.  SMRT positions decrease muscle spindle cell activity and restore length to shortened tissues.

Benefits of Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique

  • Gets into deep tissues, quickly and painlessly, without “digging deep.”

  • Is extremely specific, giving the therapist the ability to target individual muscle fibers.

  • Addresses structures beyond muscles, including ligaments, tendons, and fascia.

  • Is safe and effective for many otherwise contraindicated clients and conditions.

  • Allows the therapist to work in areas inaccessible to palpation (pelvic floor, inter-cranial tissues, joint interiors).

  • Releases trigger points painlessly.

Clients receiving SMRT treatments report the following:

  • That SMRT positions are incredibly relaxing giving them a feeling of euphoria

  • That they feel like the smallest movements are working deep within their body

  • Reduction in pain while the position is being held

  • Decreased inflammation, typically after one or two positions

  • Increased movement when the session is over

  • Results that last longer then other therapies they have experienced

S M R T + Lymph

SMRT is highly stimulating to the lymphatic system, making lymphatic drainage a wonderful tool to use post-SMRT work to get the system flowing freely and healthfully again. This approach combined with releasing a scar by moving lymph basic into the scar, coaxing it to move the correct way, is unbeatable. And did you know that your lymph system is your immune system? So the better it functions, the more powerful and effective your immune system is as well. This is one reason lymphatic drainage is often partnered with clients with cancer, but in reality, we all need this kind of work done. Helping to stimulate our immune system benefits its overall functionality and helps keep you running better, longer.