Which type of stretching is aimed at reducing muscle tension through reciprocal inhibition?

Reciprocal inhibition is a neuromuscular reflex that occurs when one muscle group is activated (contracting), leading to the relaxation of its antagonistic muscle group. This principle is utilized in strain-counterstrain techniques, where gentle positioning of a muscle facilitates its relaxation through the activation of the opposing muscle.

In this approach, the therapist places the body in a position that shortens the muscle at its tender point, allowing the muscle to relax and decrease tension in a controlled manner. This not only helps in relieving pain but also assists in restoring normal function and range of motion.

Other stretching methods, such as static stretching, static-dynamic stretching, and dynamic stretching, do not primarily rely on the principle of reciprocal inhibition to reduce muscle tension. Static stretching focuses on elongating muscles, while dynamic stretching involves controlled movements to improve flexibility and range of motion, and static-dynamic stretching combines elements of both without emphasizing reciprocal inhibition in the same way.