The Emmett technique, developed over 30 years by Australian Ross Emmett, is unique in that it complements other hands-on therapies and its results, in most cases, can be instantaneous. The beauty of it is that it can be used effectively as an add-on to enhance the performance of other types of muscle release and neuro-musculoskeletal therapy, or it will stand alone as an efficient therapy in its own right.
This is a simple but powerful technique and the relief it provides is so immediate that both Practitioner and client see the results before the client leaves the clinic. The technique is able to gain changes in the range of body movement, pain, posture, circulation, respiration, digestion and many more.
The Technique
As well as special language skills and word selection, the technique involves the application of light pressure at particular points, in a sequence that enables the gentle physical release of muscle groups. This sequence unlocks muscle memory giving the brain the opportunity to re-evaluate the initial trigger that created the neuromuscular problem in the first place. The light pressure sequences desensitise these areas and the positive effect ensues.
The language skills and word selection used create an attitude change in clients, lending permanence to the physical changes. The sessions can be done fully clothed and are suitable for people of all ages. The Emmett Technique is a boon to all practitioners due to the fact that it only relies on light touch. Treatment can also effect pain relief in a fraction of the time compared to conventional methods. This means for athletes and professional sports people there is less ‘down time’. The treatment is also less intrusive for those with restricted mobility such as the elderly. While also being more considerate to infants. Therapists also like the Emett Technique as it is kinder to their joints and hands.
Many therapists are aware of the importance of the deep postural structures but accessing and correcting them can be tricky, and often painful for both client and therapist. However, assessing and releasing psoas tension as an example is simple with the EMMETT Technique and with minimal discomfort to the client. The same can be said for addressing the quadratus lumborum, piriformis, and iliacus muscles, which are all highly implicated in lower back pain.
Ross Emmett has also developed a shorter programme called ‘Easy Muscle Management’ (Emm Tech). This is being launched in the UK early in 2008 and is open to anyone, lay or practitioner. Called EmmTech, it is a First Aid technique for use as, when and where the need arises – on the sports pitch, court or arena, backstage in the theatre and concert hall, care of the elderly, etc.
History of The Emmett Technique
Ross Emmett’s clientele in the early days were often people from cattle stations and mines situated hundreds of miles away in the Australian Outback. They had limited access to therapy and limited time for treatment. The visits to town, often travelling hundreds of miles in the back of a truck, needed to provide instant relief and lasting comfort for these clients due to their inability to receive follow-up treatment.
Ross established a Remedial Therapy business based on Massage Therapy training about 27 years ago in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. He rapidly acquired a reputation for achieving fast, effective and permanent results. Within a year his practice was seeing and continues to see 100 people a week on average, mainly referred to him from doctors, physiotherapists, age-care facilities, occupational therapists, osteopaths as well as other remedial therapists, naturopaths and chiropractors.
He works primarily in a medical practice in Townsville, Queensland and teaches throughout Australia and New Zealand and now in Europe. Students range from remedial therapists to allied health and medical practitioners. Further reference and interesting reading: Emmett 4 Animals
Emmett Technique Links: