DCT stands for Dynamic Contraction Technique™.  Dynamic Contraction Technique™ is a form of resistance stretching that is similar to but applicably different than the variation of PNF (Proprioceptive Nueromuscular Faciliation) known as Combining Isotonics.  DCT™ more simply put uses a sustained muscle contraction throughout a joint’s full range of motion to break up scar tissue (adhesions) and restore active contraction and strength to the target muscles.  DCT™ is one of the premier methods used by professional athletes and trainers/therapists all over the world.

DCT™ works by isolating a muscle using concentric contractions to recruit specific muscle fibers until a perceivable “burning” sensation is felt. Once the intended muscle is activated (burning), an isometric contraction is used to maintain the neurological connection to the activated muscle tissue while transitioning into an eccentric contraction. The eccentric contraction is the means by which DCT™ exercises facilitate the release of both muscle and fascial tension. The mechanism of the DCT™ resides in the unique mechanical function of the eccentric contraction. When muscle tissue is sufficiently targeted/activated around areas of tension in the body and then subjected to an eccentric contraction there is a distinct translation of an external force to that of an internal force directly opposing the area of restriction in the muscle or fascia which releases the tension and restores function. This physiological phenomena allows the user of DCT™ to systematically reintegrate the muscle and fascial systems optimizing function and performance.

DCT™ is for anyone who is attempting to maximize functionality of their body while decreasing pain and the probability for future injury. DCT™ can be used to help address chronic or acute injuries or as part of a developmental program to increase flexibility and strength. There are very few limitations to the performance of DCT™.  A DCT™ client or patient must have a desire to participate in their own healing process, and a basic kinesthetic awareness and level of communication is needed in order to learn the technique or have a session facilitated by a practitioner. As such the youngest client that can adequately perform DCT™ is typically 9 years old. The upper end of the age limit is related more to physical capacity and conditions that limit communication. To learn more about the specific demographics that can benefit from DCT™ see the About tab of our website.

DCT™ personal exercises can and should be performed daily.  However, there is great benefit to be had from performing your DCT™ workouts 1-3 times per week.  We like to encourage people to learn several DCT™ exercises at a time that are done daily for several minutes at a time, but longer DCT™ workouts have a greater benefit and do not need to be performed every day.  As for how many assisted DCT™ sessions from a DCT Practitioner should be received in a week the answer depends very much on what you are trying to accomplish.  Typically for resolving chronic injuries like Lower back pain or neck pain we recommend a minimum of 1 x per week until the pain begins to resolve.  Assisted DCT™ sessions should not be performed more than 3 x per week unless you are an elite athlete or are blending your assisted work with learning the personal DCT™ exercises.  The body requires time to recover from the intense and sometimes radical changes achieved during each session.  A good rule of thumb is to treat an assisted DCT™ session like a weigh lifting workout.  The personal exercises on the other hand can be performed daily or even twice daily to mitigate tension that forms from your daily activities.

DCT™ can be used as both a warm up and a cool down. If performed before exercise, it will make muscles more active.  It will also allow them to work at greater ranges. If DCT™ is performed before explosive exercise (sprinting, throwing, plyometrics, etc.) it is always best to make sure the intensity of each DCT™ exercise is mild so as to avoid over-lengthening a targeted muscle.  Creating greater length in a muscle requires time for the muscle to heal and re-establish strength at the newly gained ROM.  After exercise, DCT™ will allow for quicker recovery and reduced soreness.

DCT™ Practitioners are subject to their own licensure and must follow the regulations of their state with regard to using DCT™ therapeutically. DCT™ can be used as a form of exercise or preventative flexibility training by anyone without need for a therapeutic license. However, should DCT™ be used for the direct purpose of treating and alleviating a symptom or diagnosed dysfunction many states require that the facilitator of the treatment must hold a valid license to perform therapy on the human body. That being said, there is actually no difference in the training received from Harmonix Health by a DCT™ Practitioner who is a therapist vs. a DCT™ Practitioner who is a trainer. However there is a difference in their prior education and other certificates/licenses they hold. In general the best way to distinguish between the level of expertise within the DCT™ system is by the Level of DCT™ certification the practitioner holds. A level 4 DCT™ Practitioner will have significantly greater expertise in DCT™ than a Level 1, 2, or 3 Practitioner regardless of their status as a trainer or therapist. However, if you have an acute injury that requires licensed therapy then the DCT™ Therapist may have insight into your condition that a DCT™ Trainer may not.

Expect to learn a new way of thinking about flexibility and stretching.  You can also expect to learn how to feel and experience the 3 different phases of DCT™ (Strength, Transition, and Stretch).  You will leave your first session feeling profoundly different in your body and will likely have a sense of excitement regarding what is truly possible in terms of feeling healthy and living without pain.  Lastly, you will wonder why no one ever explained these simple ideas about flexibility to you before.

DCT™ works by isolating a muscle using concentric contractions to recruit specific muscle fibers until a perceivable “burning” sensation is felt. Once the intended muscle is activated (burning), an isometric contraction is used to maintain the neurological connection to the activated muscle tissue while transitioning into an eccentric contraction. The eccentric contraction is the means by which DCT™ exercises facilitate the release of both muscle and fascial tension. The mechanism of the DCT™ resides in the unique mechanical function of the eccentric contraction. When muscle tissue is sufficiently targeted/activated around areas of tension in the body and then subjected to an eccentric contraction there is a distinct translation of an external force to that of an internal force directly opposing the area of restriction in the muscle or fascia which releases the tension and restores function. This physiological phenomena allows the user of DCT™ to systematically reintegrate the muscle and fascial systems optimizing function and performance.

DCT™ is for anyone who is attempting to maximize functionality of their body while decreasing pain and the probability for future injury. DCT™ can be used to help address chronic or acute injuries or as part of a developmental program to increase flexibility and strength. There are very few limitations to the performance of DCT™.  A DCT™ client or patient must have a desire to participate in their own healing process, and a basic kinesthetic awareness and level of communication is needed in order to learn the technique or have a session facilitated by a practitioner. As such the youngest client that can adequately perform DCT™ is typically 9 years old. The upper end of the age limit is related more to physical capacity and conditions that limit communication. To learn more about the specific demographics that can benefit from DCT™ see the About tab of our website.

DCT™ personal exercises can and should be performed daily.  However, there is great benefit to be had from performing your DCT™ workouts 1-3 times per week.  We like to encourage people to learn several DCT™ exercises at a time that are done daily for several minutes at a time, but longer DCT™ workouts have a greater benefit and do not need to be performed every day.  As for how many assisted DCT™ sessions from a DCT Practitioner should be received in a week the answer depends very much on what you are trying to accomplish.  Typically for resolving chronic injuries like Lower back pain or neck pain we recommend a minimum of 1 x per week until the pain begins to resolve.  Assisted DCT™ sessions should not be performed more than 3 x per week unless you are an elite athlete or are blending your assisted work with learning the personal DCT™ exercises.  The body requires time to recover from the intense and sometimes radical changes achieved during each session.  A good rule of thumb is to treat an assisted DCT™ session like a weigh lifting workout.  The personal exercises on the other hand can be performed daily or even twice daily to mitigate tension that forms from your daily activities.

DCT™ can be used as both a warm up and a cool down. If performed before exercise, it will make muscles more active.  It will also allow them to work at greater ranges. If DCT™ is performed before explosive exercise (sprinting, throwing, plyometrics, etc.) it is always best to make sure the intensity of each DCT™ exercise is mild so as to avoid over-lengthening a targeted muscle.  Creating greater length in a muscle requires time for the muscle to heal and re-establish strength at the newly gained ROM.  After exercise, DCT™ will allow for quicker recovery and reduced soreness.

DCT™ Practitioners are subject to their own licensure and must follow the regulations of their state with regard to using DCT™ therapeutically. DCT™ can be used as a form of exercise or preventative flexibility training by anyone without need for a therapeutic license. However, should DCT™ be used for the direct purpose of treating and alleviating a symptom or diagnosed dysfunction many states require that the facilitator of the treatment must hold a valid license to perform therapy on the human body. That being said, there is actually no difference in the training received from Harmonix Health by a DCT™ Practitioner who is a therapist vs. a DCT™ Practitioner who is a trainer. However there is a difference in their prior education and other certificates/licenses they hold. In general the best way to distinguish between the level of expertise within the DCT™ system is by the Level of DCT™ certification the practitioner holds. A level 4 DCT™ Practitioner will have significantly greater expertise in DCT™ than a Level 1, 2, or 3 Practitioner regardless of their status as a trainer or therapist. However, if you have an acute injury that requires licensed therapy then the DCT™ Therapist may have insight into your condition that a DCT™ Trainer may not.