Stretch therapy can be an essential component of effective daily movement. Here’s why you should include it in your daily routine.
What is stretch therapy?
Stretch treatment includes a variety of modalities in addition to standard passive stretches, such as foam rolling, massage, myofascial release and active range of motion motions.
Do you often suffer from tight muscles and/or restricted joints? Stretch treatment, when done properly, can not only help avoid injuries and improve performance, but can decrease stress levels and improve overall health and wellbeing.
REMINDER: Before beginning any stretching regimen, always check with your doctor. If you have a persistent or unresolved ailment, seeking professional advice is critical to avoid further injury.
Stretch treatment as a science
Research has shown that older adults can improve their range of motion through a variety of techniques used in stretch therapy.
The majority of stretching regimens are designed to increase a joint’s range of motion, with the overall goal of improving movement patterns involving that joint. If joint range of motion is improved, it delivers better overall movement. Improving the flexibility of the tissues surrounding a joint will enhance its range of motion. These tissues incorporate muscle, tendon and fascia tissues. Each of these tissues has its own set of characteristics. Stretch treatment approaches can increase flexibility.
The Benefits of Stretch Therapy
Stretch therapy’s overall purpose is to alleviate muscle stiffness, joint abnormalities and tissue constraints that cause movement distortions, aches and pains and increased injury risk. Over time, stretch therapy improves range of motion, leading to improved movement patterns and fewer injuries.
Still, regardless of your fitness goals, age, or overall lifestyle, stretch therapy techniques are likely to increase your range of motion, improve your performance and reduce your overall risk of injury.
SUMMARY: Stretch therapy increases range of motion, improves movement quality, and reduces injury risk.
Stretch Therapy Techniques
Stretch therapy entails a number of activities that enhance range of motion and mobility. These are some of them:
- massage techniques, including self-massage with foam rollers or other devices
- passive stretching techniques
- active or dynamic stretching techniques
- partner-assisted stretching techniques
Structuring your stretch therapy routine
Overall structure of stretch therapy for all muscles is the same. Start off with a routine that entails 5–10 minutes of light to moderate aerobic exercise – like brisk walking – to raise your body temperature.
Here is an example of a stretch therapy session structure:
- 5–10 minutes of a brisk aerobic warmup
- 2–3 holds with a foam roller for 30 seconds at each trigger point
- 2–3 passive stretches per muscle holding for 30 seconds
- 2–3 active or PNF stretches
To obtain results, execute this routine at least twice per week. Your range of motion, as well as the overall quality of your movement, should improve dramatically in just a few weeks.
The best benefit is that with better movement, your risk of injury during sports, fitness training or just everyday physical activity will be significantly reduced.
SUMMARY: Stretch therapy consists of a variety of techniques that you can do alone or with a partner. Proper structuring of the techniques is needed for optimal results.
The Final Word
Stretch therapy is a collection of training strategies designed to alleviate muscle and joint stiffness, which can lead to movement dysfunction and an increased risk of injury. Stretch therapy protocols can be used on many areas of the body. Overall, proper stretch therapy methodology can enhance your life balance by relieving stress and aiding in overall health and wellness.
Stretch & Recovery is LIFE!
Whether you have an active or inactive lifestyle, lift boxes, an athlete, stay at home mom, sit too long, on your feet all day, stare at computer/phone screens, don’t exercise enough, exercise too much, for all fitness levels, all sports, all ages, female or male… Stretch & Recovery Therapy is for EVERYONE!
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO WORK WITH A RECOVERY THERAPIST
- Doing at home stretch and recovery is great but it’s simply not enough to get you the relief you need.
- There are many stretches and recovery therapies that you won’t be able to complete without assistance from a certified recovery therapist. A certified recovery therapist will help get you the relief you need and to keep your aches, pains and stress from returning.
REACH’s 2 STEP APPROACH TO RECOVERY THERAPY
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IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSES OF YOUR ACHES AND PAINS
At Reach, we start your Stretch and Recovery journey with your Mobility Risk Factor Assessment. This assessment allows us to pinpoint the causes of your aches and pains, muscle imbalances and weakness, and posture or mobility limitations. After your assessment, we can proceed to step 2!
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CUSTOMIZE YOUR RECOVERY THERAPY PROGRAM
Based on your Mobility Risk Factor Assessment, a custom Stretch & Recovery therapy plan will be created. The program is designed just for you and will target your areas of concern and interest. Each session includes a balanced blend of Corrective Stretch, Percussion, Compression, CBD, and Heat Vibration Therapy. This takes the guesswork out of choosing the Stretch and Recovery therapies that will be best for you!
First Stretch & Recovery Therapy Session at $29 (Regularly $148)
Our Recovery Therapist can get you the relief you need!
