Primal Reflex Release Technique

Primal Reflex Release Technique A breakthrough MSK approach, proven effective in resetting protective reflexes for rapid pain relief. How can it be so successful?

The Primal Reflex Release Technique™ (PRRT, pronounced "pert") is a manual-therapy approach for evaluating and relieving musculoskeletal pain. PRRT is often able to accomplish in just seconds what joint mobilization and manipulation, trigger point therapy, and soft tissue and myofascial release can do over time. PRRT has been found effective in more than 80% of patients with painful conditions. PRRT is based on the premise that over-stimulation of the body’s primal reflexes creates pain and keeps painful patterns occurring again and again. These reflexes -- startle, withdrawal, and the protective joint reflexes--are hardwired into the nervous system of the body for the purpose of survival. When a person experiences a painful or startling event, these reflexes are triggered in an attempt to protect the body. Unfortunately, these reflexes often persist in a state of hyper-readiness long after the triggering event has passed. When sustained over time, activated reflex responses lead to patterns of pain that are reproduced, repeated, and maintained, interfering with healing and resisting therapeutic efforts to restore natural function. PRRT addresses muscle and joint receptors along with their spinal modulation. These often overlooked and seldom-treated areas of the body are the cause and solution for many types of pain, including:

-Restricted motion
-Pain with or without motion
-Reduced spontaneity of motion
-Muscle tightness, stiffness, and/or tension

The Primal Reflex Release Technique™ treatment system offers an innovative combination and application of techniques that facilitate rapid “neural reboot.” This neural reboot resets the neural control of joints, muscles, and fascia to release joint restrictions, trigger points, and fascial restrictions not unlike when you reboot your computer.

11/14/2025

In this clip, PRRT founder John Iams and master instructor Charles Renner walk through a reflex based assessment of the rotator cuff. They palpate supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor, then use a reflex tap to reset the protective response.

You will notice an NSR, which means Nociceptive Startle Response. For new viewers, think of an NSR as a protective reflex pattern similar to a trigger point.

One key detail not mentioned is that we tap over the pec major tendon attachment. This activates the pec and uses reciprocal inhibition to relax the rotator cuff more effectively.

This is a clear example of how PRRT helps clinicians uncover and reset hidden shoulder reflex patterns.

11/13/2025

PRRT instructor Mark Kurganov demonstrates how a simple tongue release can dramatically reduce right shoulder pain and guarding. Releasing the tongue relaxes the front neck fascial chain, downregulates cranial nerve-driven tension, and improves diaphragm and neck mechanics. This reduces protective tone in the right upper trap and improves shoulder mobility. This effect often surprises practitioners and demonstrates how interconnected reflex patterns influence shoulder function. Learn more reflex-based techniques at theprrt.com.

11/12/2025

Did you know an unstable SI joint can trigger piriformis spasm as a protective reflex? When the SI joint is “cranky,” the piriformis tightens to stabilize it. Prioritize normalizing SI joint motion before directly treating the piriformis for more effective and lasting results. This reflex-driven approach, central to PRRT™, creates faster pain relief. Discover more reflex-based strategies at theprrt.com.

11/11/2025

Discover how the teres major can reciprocally inhibit the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor) through reflexive neuromuscular control. This illustrates a key principle in PRRT™ and manual therapy. Understand these relationships to better address shoulder pain and improve mobility. Learn more about reflexive applications in clinical practice at theprrt.com.

11/10/2025

Many patients scheduled for knee surgery have pain rooted in popliteus dysfunction, not structural damage, explains Mark Kurganov, PRRT™ Master Instructor. Addressing this stabilizing muscle can bring rapid relief—sometimes in less than 15 minutes. While surgery may still be needed, the pain component often resolves with popliteus release. Learn to uncover the reflex patterns behind stubborn knee pain at theprrt.com.

11/10/2025

John Iams explains how anticipation dampens reflex responses during PRRT™ treatment. By 'tricking' the nervous system, we bypass predictive patterns for authentic release. Watch as the patient reports feeling 'much better' instantly. The key takeaway: spontaneous reflexes, not voluntary actions, achieve true neuromuscular reset. Learn how to apply reflexive techniques for rapid results at theprrt.com.

11/08/2025

Head pain in the front often stems from tension in the suboccipitals. Fascial tension in this region tugs on the dura mater, creating effects throughout the body. Releasing these muscles can ease headaches and relax areas as far away as the knee or foot. Explore how reflex-driven releases can unlock relief from head to toe at theprrt.com.

11/08/2025

Watch John Iams demonstrate the startle and withdrawal reflex. Recognizing these reflexes is key because they often cause chronic guarding, restricted movement, and pain, which traditional methods don't always address. These reflexes influence our movement, breathing, and response to stress, not just injury. Understanding them allows working *with* body's protective systems. Learn how PRRT™ resets these reflexes at theprrt.com.

11/07/2025

PRRT™ Master Instructor Mark Kurganov demonstrates how rhythmic foot pumping can enhance lymphatic flow, activate the core, and downregulate the nervous system. This simple movement, combined with proper breathing, reflects PRRT™ principles of using reflexes for system-wide change. Discover more reflex-driven techniques at theprrt.com.

Are you tired of CE courses that talk about the nervous system but never show you how to change it?At the PRRT™ Level 1 ...
11/07/2025

Are you tired of CE courses that talk about the nervous system but never show you how to change it?

At the PRRT™ Level 1 & 2 Combined Seminar, you’ll learn how to reset reflex patterns in seconds — with real, hands-on breakthroughs you can feel.

⚡️ Immediate results
🤝 Supportive community
🧠 Techniques that change everything

Join us in Charlotte, NC • Jan 9–11, 2026
🎟️ Early bird pricing ends Nov 9!
Link in bio to reserve your seat.

11/06/2025

Reflexes protect us, but also embed emotional and sensory trauma when our system doesn't reset. Unresolved reflexes keep the nervous system stuck in protective mode, manifesting as chronic tension and pain. PRRT™ and reflexive neuromodulation help release these stored patterns, restoring balance. Explore how the body holds and releases trauma at theprrt.com.

11/06/2025

Palpation isn't just an examination—it's a treatment. Stimulating the vagus nerve through the external ear, especially on the left side, can yield unexpected benefits. By feeling for thickness and discrepancies, we're influencing the nervous system.

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11017 CHARMONT Place
Huntersville, NC
28078

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