Excerpted from:  (Chaitow, Leon.  Muscle Energy Techniques.  2006, Elsevier Limited.)

This is an element of SCS methodology.

Consider the example of an individual bent forward in psoas spasm/lumbago.  This individual will probably be experiencing considerable discomfort or pain, and will also be presenting with postural distortion—bent into flexion with rotation and side-bending.  Attempts to straighten this individual toward a more physiologically normal posture would be met by increased pain.  Engaging the barrier of resistance would therefore not be an ideal first option.

Moving the area away from the restriction barrier is, however, not usually a problem.  Finding the position of ‘ease’ for someone in this state normally involves painlessly increasing the degree of distortion displayed, placing them (in the case of the example given) into some variation based forward bending, until the pain is found to reduce or resolve.  After 60-90 seconds in this position of ease, a slow return to neutral would be carried out and theoretically—and in common practice—the patient would be somewhat, or completely relieved of pain and spasm.