Contract Relax Technique for Elbow Extension Range of Motion

This week, we are performing a contract relax technique to help improve elbow extension range of motion. Contract relax is a form of proprioceptive neuromuscular rehabilitation (PNF) which aims to play into your body’s natural mechanisms to improve the muscles willingness and ability to stretch into new ranges.
To perform this technique, the therapist will have the patient push into elbow extension, thereby activating the triceps muscles, for about 5-10 seconds. The therapist will then have the patient relax and will move the patient’s elbow into slightly more elbow extension. Essentially, contracting the triceps muscles enables the biceps muscles to relax (through reciprocal inhibition), which therefore allows the patient to gain additional elbow extension range of motion.
This technique should be performed by a licensed physical or manual therapist and after appropriate assessment. Remember to always consult with a licensed PT first before beginning any rehab program! If you are an active individual who’d like to address your pain, feel free to reach out via call, text, or message us!

[@StableChange]

Wouldn’t this be hold relax?

[@WendyB555]

thank you! lol. I thought the same. I thought contract-relax is while they're contracting, the therapist slowly moves them slightly out of the stretch?