Exploring Primal Reflex Release Technique in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Review

Background Primal Reflex Release Technique is a manual therapy technique used to alter overactive reflexes in the purpose of reducing musculoskeletal pain and improving function. In spite of use in practice, evidence to support its effectiveness is still lacking. Objective To review peer-reviewed articles from 2018 to 2025 that measured against the effects of PRRT on MSK conditions. Methods This review followed PRISMA. Platform such as (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science) were searched for English language literature published between 2018 and 2025. Inclusion criteria were RCTs, case series, and case reports with MSK conditions, with outcome measure of pain, function, ROM, or return-to-activity time. Non-MSK disorders, non-PRRT treatments, non-peer-reviewed articles, and missing outcome reporting studies were excluded. Results 26 studies resulted from the initial search. After full-text evaluation, 17 were excluded (11 for missing data, 6 non-peer reviewed), leaving 8 studies for qualitative synthesis. Included studies comprised 3 RCTs, 4 case series, and 1 case report, involving various MSK conditions such as hamstring strain, coccydynia, cervicogenic headache, plantar fasciitis etc. In research studies, PRRT consistently demonstrated rapid decreases in pain, improvements in gain of function, and few, increased range of motion. RCTs established that PRRT was superior to, or at least as effective as, conventional interventions. Conclusion PRRT has short-term effects for pain control and improvement in function among various MSK disorders. Large, well-designed RCTs are now needed to validate efficacy and provide standardized regimens.