Positional Release Techniques

• Describe the principles and theory behind positional release techniques.
• Identify major positional release methods and their applications.
• Explain the principles of strain/counterstrain, functional technique, and facilitated positional release.
• Describe the use of the McKenzie method and taping within positional release approaches.
• Demonstrate an understanding of step-by-step positional release applications.
• Identify indications, contraindications, cautions, and safety considerations.
• Describe positional release considerations for acute and chronic conditions and special populations.
• Discuss research evidence related to positional release techniques.
• Apply positional release concepts appropriately within massage therapy practice.

• Text: Positional Release Techniques, 4th Edition by Leon Chaitow, 272 pages
• Video: Online technique demonstrations
• Course guide with instructions
• 105-question examination
• Course evaluation
• Certificate of achievement upon completion
• Unlimited phone support

The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.

Our online massage continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.

For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.

It was very challenging to read everything, but helpful to watch the videos. It was relatively easy to take the exam while reviewing the reading material. - Laurie S.

I loved all the information. Just a ton of information. I would never have gotten this much information out of a live training. The exam was extremely challenging. This was a very intense, long, course. It was exhausting and I would have enjoyed more fun information. But as far as providing research based information, this was an outstanding course. - M. Bogle

To the point and strait forward and received info fast. - M. Dixon, LMT

I learned concepts that I can incorporate into my massage practice. - Charlene Taylor Gray, LMT

For a home study course, it contained a ton of valuable information. I especially liked the research that backed up each positional release method. - Phil Madison, LMT

What is the best known and most widely used positional release variation?
A.    Osteopathic functional technique (FuPR)
B.    Facilitated positional release (FPR)
C.    Strain counterstrain (SCS)
D.    McKenzie’s method

All of the following are ideal settings for application of SCS/PRT EXCEPT:
A.    For reduction of stiffness (hypertonia) in pre- and postoperative patients
B.    In cases of acute and multiple strain – whiplash, for example
C.    In cases of recent major trauma or surgery
D.    In treatment of sensitive, frail, delicate individuals or sites

Which of the following is an essential difference between SCS and functional technique?
A.    In SCS, there is no reliance on feedback from the patient as to reduction in pain during the process of positioning and fine-tuning
B.    In functional work, there is no reliance on feedback from the patient as to reduction in pain during the process of positioning and fine-tuning
C.    In functional work, tissues are not placed into a position of ease, but rather stretched to the maximum range of motion
D.    In SCS, tissues are not placed into a position of ease, but rather stretched to the maximum range of motion