The Benefits of Therapeutic Stretching
While Yoga and Pilates are great for elongating, strengthening, toning the muscles and increasing flexibility, individuals may find that they still may lack range of motion or experience pain caused by tight and bundled muscle fibers in certain areas despite the increased range of motion that both of these forms of exercise offer.
One on one flexibility training provides an isolated method of stretching that pin point those specific areas. One on one flexibility training done with an experienced trainer is also effective in instructing individuals on how to properly stretch, the contraindications of stretching and the different modalities of stretching to maximize flexibility.
Flexibility training can also aid in alleviating pain for the most common chronic problems. In actuality a great deal of the pain that is experienced in the muscles are directly related to a decreased range of motion in a particular area or various related areas, this includes most back pain, neck, knee pain, shoulder and so on.
Below are some reasons why flexibility training is particularly important and also different types and terms of stretches.
1. To increase complete range of motion around a joint
2. To relieve muscle soreness.
3. To help improve the capacity for activity.
4. To assist in decreasing unnecessary neuromuscular tension, promote general body relaxation, and reduce emotional stress.
5. To relieve muscle -joint stiffness associated with the aging process.
Passive Stretching :In passive stretching, the individual makes no contribution or active contraction during the stretch.
Active Isolated Stretching : The AIS method employs the contracting muscles opposite to the muscles that are being lengthened as the movement force (agonist contracts, antagonists relaxes.)
Static Stretching: Stretching the muscles out gently, as far as possible. Staying in that position as long as you can for 10 to 30 seconds
PNF(Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) Stretching: Active PNF employs motion that is extended as far as possible through active muscle work for six seconds. This is followed by a maximum isometric muscle tightening of the counteracting muscle.
Ballistic Stretching: The use of bouncing ,rebounding, bobbing, or rhythmic motion to increase range of motion, is contraindicated in the program of AIS.
Anthony Kelley is an Nationally Certified Personal Trainer and NJ State Certified Massage Therapist with studies in Aaron L. Mattes stretching techniques.
