Positional Release Therapy (PRT), was developed by Dr. Lawrence Jones. D.O. (Strain and Counterstrain). The purpose of PRT is to treat protective muscle spasm by inhibiting muscle spindle activation, thereby decreasing afferent impulses to the brain. By interrupting this pathway, the patient’s muscle is allowed to assume a normal resting tone thus relieving the tender point, protective muscle spasm, fascial tension, pain, and will help to increase joint mobility, decrease swelling, restore proper joint biomechanics, functional ROM and postural alignment.

PRT is an indirect manual therapy technique in which the practitioner evaluates the patient for tender points. These tender points are usually four times more sensitive than normal tissue and can be found in the muscle, fascia, bone, and joints (ligaments). You will learn to record the tender points that you have located on a scanning evaluation sheet and prioritize your findings using the general principles of treatment. The practitioner will treat the most severe tender point by positioning the patient’s body or body part in a position of comfort for approximately 90 seconds, thereby relieving the tenderness and pain by reducing and arresting inappropriate proprioceptor activity in the muscle that maintains the dysfunction. This technique alleviates both articular and soft tissue dysfunctions in the body, thus restoring proper pain-free movement.

You will see immediate changes in your patient's pain and functional level. PRT can be used in the treatment of back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, rib pain, upper and lower extremity orthopedic dysfunctions and postural deformities.

Because of the gentleness and effectiveness of PRT, its use is appropriate for the following patient populations: pediatrics, geriatrics, sports injuries, auto accidents, general orthopedic conditions, amputees, respiratory and neurological patients.

PRT, like all other osteopathic manual techniques, begins with evaluation. You will learn to utilize the principle of ARTS to evaluate for somatic dysfunction.

The A stands for Postural Asymmetry: The practitioner evaluates the patient in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes in both standing and sitting. Which body part displays the greatest asymmetry?

The R stands for Restriction in Range: The practitioner evaluates the range of motion (ROM) of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), the rib cage, upper and lower extremities. What does the patient like to do and not like to do? From this evaluation you will be able to locate the tender point.

The T stands for Tenderness: The practitioner will palpate the patient for tenderness in the cranium, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, rib cage, upper and lower extremities. Normally when palpating for tenderness we use a 0 to 10 scale. These tender points are usually four times more sensitive than normal tissue.

The S stands for Special Tests: The practitioner will perform inhibitory balance and specific orthopedic tests to confirm your findings.

Positional Release Therapy is taught as two courses (upper & lower quadrant).

PRTUQ: This course will teach you how to evaluate and treat the cranium, cervical, and thoracic spine, the rib cage, shoulder, elbow wrist, and hand for somatic dysfunctions.

Course Objectives: 

• Gain an understanding of the history, principles, and neuromuscular basis of Positional Release Therapy
• Conduct a thorough orthopedic and tender point evaluation of the cranium, spine (cervical and thoracic), rib cage, and upper extremities, and perform associated Positional Release Therapy Techniques.
• Chart your results and formulate a treatment plan
• Determine the proper sequence of treating Somatic Dysfunction
• Understand the clinical importance of Positional Release Therapy Techniques and the treatment of joint and muscular skeletal dysfunctions
• Integrate Positional Release Therapy Techniques with other treatment modalities

“PRT is extremely effective with my acute injuries and athletes. My patients are amazed at how quickly they get relief and regain pain free range of motion after treatment. Kerry explains the theories and techniques in his course very clearly and easy to understand. His book offers a great reference and teaching tool to master the technique and educate clients. I highly recommend any health care practitioner to take his course as the tools he provides are invaluable.”  - T. Swales, PT, MPT, ATC, CSCS