Post-Isometric Relaxation – PIR

This is a treatment method used in cases of muscular dysfunction that helps release shortened muscles and spasms. The method uses the shift between increased tension and relaxation, during which the muscle spontaneously lengthens.

The most commonly used release technique within manual rehabilitation is PIR. In short, it involves an isometric contraction of the hyperactive muscle, followed by relaxation. After relaxation, we check whether true release has occurred and guide the movement in the direction of the hyperactive muscle.

Breathing plays an important role in certain phases of the treatment, as it affects the physiological tone of muscles throughout the body. This treatment method can influence muscle fibres under increased tension and so-called trigger points (painful trigger points) in the muscles.

Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) is one of the most widely used techniques in physiotherapy when working with striated muscles.