Why Stretching Works, Physiologically

Stretching doesn’t happen the way you think it does. Muscle doesn’t “stretch”. Instead think of it as a ladder. When you extend the ladder, one portion slides over the other. It’s similar with muscle tissue. Just like the ladder, there is a stopping point. That stopping point is determined by the stretch reflex (golgi tendon organs & muscle spindles).

Increased flexibility is important in order to perform each exercise (or activities of daily living) with complete range of motion. Flexibility will also minimize the risk of injury & will provide more stability throughout body movements.

Performance measures are very important in flexibility. How? Flexibility improves strength, power, endurance, coordination & posture. What causes that bad posture is tightness in the muscles. Loosen them up and postural corrections are easier, improving your athletic stance as well. Improving that athletic stance will improve all of the previously listed factors.

Do you see how it works like a snowball effect? Well guess what, that snowball can also work against you. Wouldn't you rather it work FOR you?

There are many different techniques that can be incorporated. Assisted stretching seems to have the most beneficial effects. Here are just a few of those many techniques.

PNF: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation; Uses a method of contract-relax (4x) to get a deeper, more relaxed stretch approach.

Static Stretching: The ones we are mostly used to. Sitting on the floor, reaching fingertips to toes with a straightened back type of stretching.

Dynamic Stretching: Uses the muscle itself during motion such as leg swings before a run.

Ballistic Stretching: Not typically a fav of most professionals due to the increased risk of injury. This type of stretching uses bouncing motion in order to reach full range of motion.

Assisted Stretching: This is my favorite way of stretching because you get a deeper stretch, while someone else is doing the hard part for you. Check out the link to learn more about assisted stretching! It's painless, your first one is FREE & can personalize your program to get you the best results. Seriously, check it out!

https://www.stretchzone.com/