Active muscular relaxation techniques. Part I. Basic principles and methods

New treatment methods are being incorporated into chiropractic care. These methods include muscular relaxation techniques which have their origins in physical medicine and osteopathic approaches developed in the late 1940s. They involve active participation by the patient and are, therefore, ideal introductions into self-care and rehabilitation. These active muscular relaxation techniques are complimentary to chiropractic adjustments. This article describes three different methods used to relax hypertonic musculature. The different types of muscle hypertonicity are described. These active procedures are compared to other passive methods such as spray and stretch and massage.