Understanding Body Stress Release

Written by: Kerry Teakle Reviewed by: Clive Manley (training and sports therapist) Published by: First Stone Publishing 2006 ISBN: 1904439551 Price: £1.99	Available from the BackCare Shop
The technique of body stress release (BSR) was pioneered by a South African couple – who in later years trained as chiropractors in USA – to assist the husband’s long-standing chronic lower limb pain condition. The husband, now pain free, sites himself as the catalyst and reason for starting the technique. The reader is informed that, after assessment, gentle techniques are used with a client fully clothed to assist in reduction of stress symptoms built up in tissues, ’unlocking the body’s own mechanism for self healing’ and valuable for many types of musculo-skeletal and back pain as well as some other conditions and suitable for all ages including babies (some BSR practitioners apparently can also treat animals). There is a five-month training course cited in the booklet for BSR practitioners, so the therapist would have received reasonable anatomical training.
It is clear from the booklet that BSR techniques are gentle, non invasive and in these respects alone could yield a more relaxed client and, therefore, less stress symptoms. It is not hugely expensive (prices quoted range from £25 - £40). This booklet, written by the Chairperson of the Body Stress Release Association UK, who trained in BSR in South Africa in 2003 (where the training centre is located), provides an insight into this new complementary therapy.