Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/790815
The pin and stretch technique is often performed with the client passive as the therapist moves the client's body part into the stretch (as seen in Images 1A–1C). However, pin and stretch can also be performed actively: instead of the client remaining passive as the therapist moves their body part into a stretch, the client actively moves their own body part into the position of stretch. Performing pin and stretch actively does not make a mechanical difference on focusing the stretch to one region of the muscle, but it does make a difference neurologically. When the client actively concentrically contracts musculature on one side of the joint, the antagonist musculature on the other side of the joint is reciprocally inhibited (see "Neural Inhibition Stretching Techniques" on page 54). For example, if the target muscle being stretched is the right upper trapezius, and the client actively moves their shoulder girdle down into depression, then, in addition to the pin and stretch benefit of focusing the stretch force to one region of the target muscle, the stretch will be further facilitated by the target muscle being reciprocally inhibited (relaxed) so it can be better stretched and lengthened (see Image 3). ACTIVE PIN AND STRETCH 5A 5B 5C 4A 4B Pin and stretch to the right flexor carpi radialis. The distal/hand attachment of the flexor carpi radialis is the attachment that is moved. The red Xs indicate the focus of the stretch. Two positions for the pin are shown. Pin and stretch to the right piriformis. The distal/thigh attachment of the piriformis is the attachment that is moved. Three positions for the pin are shown. C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 55 Joseph Muscolino is offering his Digital Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy streaming subscription service at a deep discount to ABMP members. This service contains all his video content, plus new content uploaded each week. For more information, visit his website at www.learnmuscles.com/abmp.