Kinetic Chain
Release Therapies
Kinetic Chain Release
Kinetic Chain Release (KCR) works on areas throughout the whole body and has been shown to help with a range of issues. It can be a useful and effective starting point or is often equally used as maintenance for when the body is feeling out of sync.
What is KCR therapy?
KCR is an original bodywork protocol developed by Physiotherapist Hugh Gilbert.
The treatment is fully clothed and uses a specific series of gentle mobilisations, stretches and muscle energy techniques that may correct an apparent leg length difference and help bring about postural changes.
Kinetic, put simply, is energy in motion. The whole body is interlinked and requires each ‘chain’ to be balanced and aligned to function and move with ease (rather than dis-ease). Anything from old injuries to repeated physical or mental stress to poor postural habits can all start to impact the kinetic chain and lead to unwanted symptoms, pain or conditions that can impact our lives.
Benefits
Easing tension in key areas can assist the body back into balance and alignment. KCR is known to have helped clients with a range of issues including chronic back pain, headaches/migraines, ankle issues, chronic stress, tight calves, TMJ dysfunction and plantar fasciitis as well as having shown improvements to athletic performance.
Each person has their own unique experience, but clients often report feeling immediately lighter, freer and calmer following a session.
“Viewing the body as a whole being and never just a list of symptoms.”
Connective Tissue Release
Connective Tissue Release (CTR) can be used as a follow on to KCR or as a combined treatment for areas that may require further attention or a different approach.
CTR therapy
Some people may be more familiar with the term ‘fascia’, which is a type of connective tissue. This three-dimensional web surrounds our entire body and is a whole system network of support, protection, communication and much more. Areas of fascia or connective tissue can often become inhibited, restricted or pulled out of alignment through injuries, trauma or repeated stress on the body.
CTR (The Hugh Gilbert Method) follows the same principles as MFR but with a slightly different approach. It is a hands-on therapy that applies gentle, sustained pressure on a specific area for sometimes 5-15 minutes depending on how the body responds. This is to allow connection and movement of the underlying tissue with the aim of helping areas of restriction back to a more functional state and engaging awareness of both body and mind.