Mettler Release Technique

The Mettler Release Technique is a manual form of physical therapy that aggressively targets and releases internal scar tissue. High levels of focused tension are applied externally to the skin to restructure the scar tissue surrounding muscles and bones without causing additional injury to the patient. The Mettler Release Technique allows mobility to be restored once the scar tissue is dispersed.

Technique Comparison

• The three primary non-invasive approaches to releasing scar tissue are the Mettler Release Technique, the Myofascial Release and the Connective Tissue Massage. The Mettler Release Technique targets a specific region of the body but can be applied to any part of the body. The physical therapist manipulates the skin using the fingers and thumbs, which are covered in pads. The scar tissue releases immediately with a stinging sensation, and mobility pains are alleviated entirely very soon after the treatment. The Myofascial Release is a whole-body approach that does not require the use of finger or thumb pads. The palm and finger are used to apply pressure to the scar tissue, and the tissue begins to release after approximately two minutes with mild stinging sensations. Mobility pain decreases over time, but the change is not immediately noticed. The Connective Tissue Massage technique only targets certain regions of the body. The physical therapist uses her knuckles to administer the twisting motion, and the tissue is immediately dispersed. The change in mobility pain is gradual, and immediate improvement is rare.

Conditions Treated

• The Mettler Release Technique is used to treat individual regions of the body that have suffered muscular trauma. The technique can be used on the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders to improve lifting and twisting activities. It is also used on knee, ankle and foot pain to alleviate scar tissue inflammation that makes walking painful. For internal surgeries along the abdomen and back, the Mettler Release Technique can be used to disperse both the muscular scar tissue as well as the dermal scar tissue. The technique is also used to treat whiplash and muscle spasms, and many athletes employ its use to effectively treat sport injuries. Joint and tendon scar tissue can also be alleviated using the technique, which provides help for carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.

The Technique

• Before the technique can be applied, the physical therapist must determine the injury's precise location and the condition of the scar tissue by feeling the area with her fingertips and thumbs. Once the area is identified, pressure is applied in a bilateral, parallel twisting motion around the scar tissue. The pressure is held while the scar tissue releases and the afflicted muscle band is allowed to flex. The patient feels a short albeit intense stinging sensation in the area while the scar tissue dissipates, but the pain fades quickly as the area rehydrates and restricts to its normal shape. The treatment only needs to be applied once in each affected area, though if multiple areas require alleviation, follow-ups may be necessary.