Assisted stretching, also known as partner stretching, is a form of passive stretching where a trained practitioner stretches your body. Instead of relying on your flexibility, you use someone or even something else. Partner stretching has revolutionized how we approach muscle expansion, and it can help you unlock your body’s potential. Here is how assisted stretching works and what sets it apart from other approaches:
Basics of Assisted Stretching
You work with a stretch specialist who creates personalized stretching programs to increase flexibility and prevent injury. The trained expert can help you improve flexibility, mobility, and range of motion. Sometimes they apply yoga and other stretching techniques to obtain the desired results per the patient’s needs. They may also take their clients through sessions designed to combat muscle fatigue and soreness in case of muscle problems before and after workouts.
The main idea behind assisted stretching is to utilize external assistance to achieve a deeper and more effective stretch than what might be attainable on your own. It focuses on reducing pain, slow movements, and muscle targeting. The most common form of partner stretching is proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
This technique can help you increase your range of motion and flexibility. It increases the length of the muscle and neuromuscular efficiency. PNF takes advantage of the body’s proprioceptors — sensory receptors that transmit information about body position and movement to the brain.
A stretch specialist can utilize the VibraCussor manipulation technique to enhance stretching practices. The VibraCussor allows gentle stimulating action paired with PNF to increase blood supply to various body areas. It allows local fascial tightness to be released painlessly and efficiently.
PNF stretching has five types. The first is hold-relax, where you passively stretch and hold the target muscle for a few seconds. The second is contract-relax, where you stretch the target muscle while moving it. The third is hold-relax-contract, where you actively push into the stretch instead of relaxing into a passive stretch. The fourth is the contract-relax-antagonist-contract, which focuses on antagonistic pairs of muscles. Then you have the hold-relax swing, where you combine static and isometric stretches.
Impact of Assisted Stretching
This type of stretching delves into tissue physiology, promoting overall well-being and mobility. It influences tissue health by stimulating blood circulation. This is because of the constant elongation and contraction of the muscles, consequently compressing and releasing blood vessels. Stretching also helps release fascial adhesions that may develop due to poor posture, physical trauma, or repetitive movements. This then creates a harmonious interplay between muscles and circulation.
Assisted stretching can help increase your flexibility. Trained experts can help you extend your muscles further than you would do on your own. It also helps decrease pain and stiffness by combating the effect of tear and wear on the muscles and joints. Partner stretching also helps increase the range of motion by targeting muscles for a deeper stretch. It also improves your core strength and posture, enhancing your athletic performance and reducing recovery time.
Assisted Stretching Versus Traditional Stretching
The two different approaches to stretching can increase flexibility and promote muscle health. They differ in their techniques, mechanisms, and outcomes. Partner stretching experts can use specialized tools like the VibraCussor, while these tools may be difficult to use with traditional stretching.
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Contact a Stretching Specialist Today
A trained specialist can help you reach your body’s potential with assisted stretching. They can help you achieve a deeper stretch than you would on your own. You can also opt for PNF, which can increase your range of motion and flexibility. Unlike traditional stretching, partner stretching often uses specialized tools. Contact a stretching expert for a custom stretching plan.
