Why I Have Assisted Stretching Sessions Myself~As Well As Stretching On My Own!
Why I Have Assisted Stretching Sessions Myself~As Well As Stretch On My Own
Any stretching or range of motion is not only beneficial for everyone, it is a necessity! Personally I stretch every day, often more than once a day. It doesn’t matter if you work out or sit at a computer all day, failing to increase your range of motion will cause joints and muscles to reduce their mobility, and their range which leads to injuries, chronic pain, arthritis, etc.
As a practitioner for over 20 years,I have obtained an education, certifications, and field experience in Physical Therapy, Personal training, and currently certified and practicing the Active Isolated Stretching Technique developed by Aaron Mattes.
My goal for clients is NOT to “make you more flexible or elastic” but to increase your active range of motion gradually so that you can move easier, and further before you even feel a stretch. We also work through the nervous system to achieve long lasting flexibility gains. Using learned principles, I am able to properly position, stabilize, isolate, and manipulate the muscles.
CAN’T I STRETCH ON MY OWN?
Yes of course and you should! Both Self stretching and having assisted stretching have many benefits.
A FEW RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH STRETCHING ON YOUR OWN:
1.POSSIBLE OVERSTRETCHING- this is when the length of your connective tissue becomes greater than your ability to control it. Muscles that are overstretched can cause your joints to appear lax and could lead to injury ( more common in hypermobile individuals).
2. UNABLE TO TARGET SPECIFIC MUSCLES OR AREA’S- some muscle groups are difficult to target on your own. Many don’t know exactly what each muscle’s function is, it is important to stretch in the correct position as well.
STRETCHING THE SAME MUSCLE TO FIND RELIEF- often individuals tend to do the same stretch over and over in hopes to rectify the issue. This can cause imbalances in your body as well as be ineffective. It could stem from the actual joint, tendon, or adjoining muscle.
4. IMPROPER TECHNIQUE- stretching with too much bouncing, holding a stretch too long ( which decreases the blood flow in the tissue and creates lactic acid build up), stretching a cold muscle, or stretching to the point of pain. These all can be negative approaches.
ASSISTED STRETCHING FROM A PRACTITIONER~OR MYSELF!:
1.I have experience and knowledge on how to isolate the muscles to get the most out of the stretch.
2.Help you move and function easier- with the use of a strapping system and techniques to target specific muscles and allow you to gain more than just flexibility.
3.Reduce stress, muscles are more relaxed with the help of an assistant. You can also focus on breathing and sensory awareness which is beneficial for the nervous system.
4.Range of motion helps with healing and recovery from soft tissue lesions.
5.Re-educate the nerve-muscle reflex.
6.Improve overall athletic performance
REASONS YOU MAY NEED TO INCREASE YOUR RANGE OF MOTION
Low energy levels
Aching muscles and/or joints
Stress
Headaches
Pulled muscles
Poor posture
Trouble sleeping
Difficulty with everyday activities
People lose flexibility more when they sit a lot because of all the strains and microtears on your muscles. They begin to form scar tissue overtime, which tightens the surrounding tissue. Being in the same prolonged position can restrain your movement and cause you to lose flexibility as you age. Practitioner assisted stretching can break up that scar tissue and improve mobility and posture.