Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) is a muscle energy technique used to relax and lengthen a hypertonic and shortened muscle.
This gentle stretching technique is typically used on postural muscles (the muscles that enable the body to walk, sit and stand). Due to gravity these muscles often become short and tight and can lead to muscle imbalances. This can limit range of motion and cause joint restrictions. Several muscles in the upper body fall under this category such as the upper trapezius, and levator scapulae.
When these muscles become shortened they can restrict range of motion in the head, neck and shoulder and often become painful.
Muscle imbalances can be an underlying contributing factor for many conditions such as shoulder pain and headaches. As our upper taps become tight it can lead to altered shoulder function. Tension that builds up in the upper traps can also refer pain into the head causing headaches. By using PIR, our doctors can relax and lengthen the muscle to increase passive and active range of motion and decrease pain.
