Primal Reflex Response Technique (PRRT™) is a gentle, quick , drug free, method of clearing excessive reflex activity. PRRT™ was developed by John Iams, a physiotherapist in southern California. This technique is the result of John’s work with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and motor vehicle accident patients, and forty years of professional practice.

Autonomic Nervous System Controls Reflexes

The reflex system is part of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). ie: circulation, breathing, goose bumps, etc. The reflex part of the ANS therefore is linked to the ‘software’ that controls our bodies, like a computer processor. There are times, however, when the reflex system becomes over taxed or up-regulated with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Causes of Up-regulated Reflex

Up-regulation of the reflex system most often occurs with:

• physical or emotional trauma
• chronic or long term pain
• mental or physical abuse
• chronic high levels of stress
• prolonged periods of illness

Signs & Symptoms of Up-Regulated Reflexes

Light palpation of specific points will produce a range of the following:

• gasp, groan, or grimace, with tissue contraction
• a sudden withdrawal reflex
• restriction in range of motion
• increased tone in muscles
• joints or tissue will often have crepitus (crackling or grinding noise)
• goose bumps or shiver sensation
• excessive sweating, cold or hot spots
• locally thickened, boggy tissue
• increased irritability or anxiety, restlessness

Other symptoms may be:

• quick to startle
• overall sensitive to light touch
• a general feeling of nervousness or being in a state of fight or flight

During STAMINA® Rehabilitation Therapy sessions PRRT™ is used frequently to reduce the tenderness associated with mal-aligned muscles. Incorporating PRRT™ into our treatments allows the alignment process to be relatively comfortable.