At ActiveBody Functional Therapy we offer:

• passive stretching

• assisted stretching

• PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)

• self-stretching

Ancient Greeks used stretching in gymnastic training that included health maintenance, athletics and military physical training. Stretching in the context of manual therapy can be traced back to Hippocrates and Galen, chief physician to the gladiators in Pergamum from A.D.157 and therefore probably the original sports therapist.  Passive stretching of soft tissue is a substantial component of osteopathic treatment that aims to restore normal structure and consequent normal function.  Osteopathic techniques have influenced and merged with orthodox manual therapy and practiced by physio and sports therapists.

The Benefits of Stretching

According to the Mayo Clinic, the top five benefits of stretching include:

1. Increased flexibility and joint range of motion
   Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.

2. Improved circulation
   Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you’ve had any muscle injuries.

3. Better posture
   Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture. Good posture can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.

4. Stress relief
   Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.

5. Enhanced coordination
   Maintaining the full range-of-motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.