Joint Release technique

1 Joint Release technique part1

The Kumazawa Method: Joint Release Technique (JRT)

Created by Judo therapist Kumazawa J.T., the Joint Release Technique (JRT) is a new and original healing method based on the time-honored practices of Judo therapy. What makes JRT special? It uses the principles of leverage—inspired by Judo techniques—allowing powerful therapeutic effects with surprisingly gentle force. That means even small or less muscular practitioners can perform it with ease.

What Is JRT?

JRT is all about gently mobilizing the joints to relieve stiffness, pain, and tension. It’s especially effective for people dealing with tight joints or limited movement—whether from injury, aging, or simply daily life stress.

Unlike common joint adjustments that rely on cracking or forceful thrusts, JRT focuses on subtle movements that release pressure without causing irritation. Think of it like unlocking a stuck door with a gentle nudge instead of a hammer.

How Does It Work?

Joints contain soft tissues like capsules, ligaments, and small sacs called bursae filled with synovial fluid. This fluid acts like joint oil, keeping things smooth. But when tissues get inflamed or injured, they can stick together—like pages glued shut—causing pain and stiffness. These sticky spots are called adhesions.

JRT helps loosen those adhesions and get the fluid moving again—gently, safely, and effectively. No cracking needed.

Why JRT Stands Out

Based on Judo: It uses real biomechanical principles from Judo—especially leverage.
Low force, high impact: Great for therapists without much upper-body strength.
Safe and gentle: Perfect for sensitive joints and delicate patients.
Culturally rich: Often practiced in traditional settings, even temples, JRT carries the spirit of Japanese healing arts.

Whether you’re a medical professional, a martial artist, or just someone curious about hands-on healing, JRT offers a one-of-a-kind approach that’s rooted in tradition and refined for the modern world. This is more than just a therapy—it's a living, evolving form of Japanese medicine.

2 Joint Release technique part2

Kumazawa Method: Releasing the Sternoclavicular Joint (SC Joint)

This powerful hands-on technique is part of the Kumazawa Method of Judo Therapy, a modern evolution of traditional Japanese healing. Unlike conventional joint treatments, it blends the principles of leverage—borrowed from Judo—with soft tissue mobilization to restore natural shoulder motion.

Why the SC Joint Matters

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is the small joint where your collarbone meets your breastbone. Though tiny, it's crucial for shoulder movement. When it gets stiff or stuck, your whole shoulder can feel tight, painful, or restricted.

How the SC Joint Affects Shoulder Movement

Helps lift your arm by letting the collarbone rotate and rise.
When stiff, it blocks proper movement in other joints like the scapula and shoulder.
Leads to poor posture, pain, and limited range when reaching overhead.

The Problem: Shoulder Pain from a Stiff SC Joint

If your SC joint isn’t moving well:

You lose proper scapulohumeral rhythm (how the shoulder blade and arm work together).
The shoulder can't rotate freely.
Movements like lifting your arm sideways become painful or even impossible.

The Kumazawa JRT Technique: How It Works

This method directly targets SC joint stiffness. It’s simple, safe, and effective—even for therapists without strong arms.

Step-by-Step:

Assessment
Check shoulder range of motion and pain before starting.
Positioning
Have the patient lie down. The therapist gently presses on the top of the SC joint to restrict movement.
Arm Movement
While holding the joint, slowly lift the patient’s arm to the side (abduction) in a neutral position—no rotation.
Stretch & Release
The restricted joint forces the soft tissues to stretch. This helps break up adhesions and restore natural motion.
Repeat
Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 3–5 times, depending on the response.
Re-Test
Check again to see if motion and pain have improved.

Why This Works

Breaks adhesions that block joint motion.
Restores natural shoulder mechanics and scapular rhythm.
Improves flexibility of the ligaments and soft tissues.
Reduces pain by calming irritated tissues.

Simple, Safe, and Deeply Effective

The SC Joint Release Technique is part of what makes the Kumazawa Method so unique. It shows how traditional healing can evolve with science—offering results that are both gentle and powerful.

Whether you're treating athletes, elders, or office workers with tight shoulders, this method offers a targeted solution for real relief.

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