Why is it important to know the direction in which each muscle contracts when applying NMT?

What will be an ideal response?

A complete response should include these concepts:
• Positional release—You must know the direction of contraction/stretch when applying Positional Release because:
• You will move the limb into the position of comfort, which is often found when the target muscle is shortened.
• PIR—You must know the direction of contraction/stretch when applying postisometric relaxation because:
• You will passively stretch the muscle.
• You will instruct the client to contract the target muscle as you resist the contraction.
• Then you will move the muscle into a passive stretch again.
• RI—You must know the direction of contraction/stretch when applying reciprocal inhibition because:
• You need to know the correct direction of movement and pressure for applying reciprocal inhibition to the areas being treated.
• You will put the target muscle into passive contraction.
• You will need to be able to instruct the client on how to contract the muscle opposing the target muscle.
• You will apply some resistance as the client contracts the opposing/agonist muscle through its range, allowing the target muscle to relax and lengthen.