Myofascial techniques stretch reflex

Servo-assist function of the muscle spindle reflex. If the extrafusal fibers contract less than the intrafusal fibers, then the muscle spindles will maintain a stretch reflex to further excite the extrafusal fibers. This technique is used in active resistive myofascial therapy. 

Stretch reflex. The stretch of a muscle excites the muscle spindle mechanism, resulting in reflex contraction of that muscle. This is to be avoided when applying passive myofascial techniques to contracted or con-tractured muscles. It can be avoided by applying slow, even force and releasing that force slowly and evenly. However, the stretch reflex is to be used during active myofascial... 

Reciprocal inhibition. This is used in active myofascial techniques with or without resistance. When a stretch reflex stimulates one muscle, it simultaneously inhibits the antagonist muscle e.g., if the stretch reflex excites the biceps, reciprocal inhibition inhibits the triceps. 

---