The technique we use in somatic movement is called pandiculation. It is the action of contracting the muscles gently and then releasing them very slowly. Our muscles are often chronically tight. This is why we contract them gently, by concentric contraction. Then we let them elongate very slowly while they are still active because they resist gravity. It is an eccentric contraction. That’s what makes the difference.
We don’t stretch the muscles, we relax them. If you try to stretch muscles that are tight, your brain will receive a warning signal and it will prevent them from stretching to protect them. It protects your muscles, tendons, and ligaments because they could tear if you insist. This is called “stretch reflex”. That’s why we are often very tense again a few hours after stretching or after receiving a massage.
The animals don’t stretch. They pandiculate several times a day. A dog, a cat, a puma, a bear and even a horse pandiculate every time they get up after a moment of rest.
Pandiculation is what distinguishes the Thomas Hanna Method from other methods and what makes it unique thanks to its ability to relax muscles in a lasting way.
To learn more, I recommend this article by Sarah Warren:
https://somaticmovementcenter.com/pandiculation-what-is-pandiculation/