STR is a technique used to release soft tissues including fascia, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It targets stuck or bound tissues and improves muscle flexibility, texture, and function by breaking down fascial restrictions.
A versatile and effective tool useful to accelerate healing, STR is especially useful following periods of immobilisation from illness, injury or sedentary lifestyle. Many chronic postural issues can also benefit from this technique.
STR can be seen as a more targeted, more effective form of stretching but it also helps improve the underlying muscle condition. It also helps to normalise muscular contractibility and improves muscle-nerve communication problems caused by adhesions. This allows the muscle to lengthen and contract freely and both proprioception and co-ordination will be improved as a result.
It works by the therapist applying targeted pressure to shorten a particular muscle and therefore creating a temporary new muscle ‘attachment’. The associated joint is then moved away using either an Active (Client led) or Passive (Therapist led) stretch in order to release tension and improve mobility.
STR is a powerful tool that can be used on its own or integrated into a bodywork session.