Kinetic Chain Release (KCR)

What is Kinetic Chain Release (KCR)?

Kinetic Chain Release  (KCR) Therapy (developed by Hugh Gilbert Physiotherapist) is a unique sequence of mobilisations and stretches that bring about postural changes to rapidly bring the body back into balance. Sessions take place on a treatment table and clients are fully clothed at all times. People from all walks of life, ages, abilities and disabilities have received great results from this kind of treatment therapy: it is for anyone.

We often get clients who come with chronic pain symptoms such as joint pain together with muscular pain affecting one of the limbs or the back. Often, the cause of this is some kind of physical trauma in the past, for example, an accident, a fall or even a slight knock. At the time of the trauma, the myofascial tissue contracts in order to protect that part of the body from further impact.

If left untreated this fascia stays restricted and can cause musculoskeletal imbalances up and down the Kinetic Chain (the interrelated group of body segments, connecting joints and muscles which allows movement for that particular body part).

This fascial restriction can cause further referred pain up and down the kinetic chain. For example, you might be feeling pain on one side of the glute (the muscles of the buttocks) but the cause of the pain could be on the lower back or at the ankle.

Some of our clients have tried various different treatments but have not had satisfactory results because either only the area where there is referred pain is treated, without going anywhere near the cause of the pain.

When clients come  with these kinds of issues,  we suggest KCR. KCR is a highly effective holistic treatment that focuses on gentle but effective joint mobilisations and deep muscle stretches to bring the whole body back into alignment. Because the treatment works on the whole body, pain is alleviated because most areas of the kinetic chain is worked on.

Occasionally a second line of treatment is required which is a form of myofascial release called Connective Tissue Release (CTR) as taught by Physiotherapist Hugh Gilbert. CTR techniques help to loosen up persistent fascial restrictions. The treatment is done by palpating the body and looking for signs of tight tissue. The treatment involves direct contact on the skin using gentle but very effective pressure. It is different to massage techniques because the aim is to loosen the connective tissue rather than the muscle fibres. Each mobilisation is held for around 5-10 minutes.

Back, Neck & Shoulder pain
Wrist pain
Sciatic and Piriformis Pain
Hip, Knee & Ankle Pain
Migraines & Tension headaches
PMS
IBS & Bloating
CFS/ME & Fibromyalgia
TMJ Dysfunction
amongst many other conditions

 

Who delivers the therapy?

KCR is delivered by two of our practitioners: Claire Spence and Andrea Lagunas. Read more about them here.

Benefits of the therapy

Helps to resolve:

  • Back, Neck & Shoulder pain
  • Wrist pain
  • Sciatic and Piriformis Pain
  • Hip, Knee & Ankle Pain
  • Migraines & Tension headaches
  • PMS
  • IBS & Bloating
  • CFS/ME & Fibromyalgia
  • TMJ Dysfunction
    amongst many other conditions

KCR can be useful to new Mums also to help with post pregnancy aches and pains (see our Testimonials page).

KCR is also known to improve athletic performance whether you are a competitive sportsperson or just enjoy the odd round of golf.

 

KCR is delivered by Claire Spence.

Combo treatment: We also offer a combination of KCR for body alignment followed by a deep tissue massage. This is especially beneficial for chronic conditions. This is delivered by our therapist Andrea Lagunas.