The Many Benefits Assisted Stretching Has to Offer You

Assisted stretching is a table-based technique where one person guides another person through a stretch or series of stretches to increase mobility and flexibility of a muscle or group of muscles. It is also known to improve muscle, joint, and nerve function. This form of flexibility training has been used in athletic settings for many years and has recently made its way into gyms, spas, and stretching centers.

Reduced Stress

When our bodies build up stress, we often carry it in our muscles. This increased tension within the muscle tissue can shorten muscle length and cause pain. When stretching, the body releases an increase of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to boost mood. Serotonin helps encourage the muscles in your body to relax with this overall feeling of well being. In addition to feeling more relaxed, Assisted Stretching takes the guesswork out of your stretch routine and variables needed for best results. Our patients can truly relax and let their stretch therapist do all the work!

Better Performance

A consistent stretch routine can improve range of motion and flexibility. Stretching is a great way to enhance athletic performance and strength while safeguarding against possible injuries. Strength needs flexibility. When muscles are more flexible, the muscles are able to relax and lengthen more fully. A fully lengthened muscle allows more muscle fibers available for better muscle engagement. Better muscle engagement leads to more power and strength for explosive movements that positively affect athletic performance.

Reduced Risk of Injury

While there is no hard scientific evidence to support a significant reduction in risk of injuries due to assisted stretching, there is a major increase in risk of injury when we do not stretch. When flexibility training is neglected, tension within the muscles of the body grows. Increased tension in muscles decreases flexibility and can lead to development of adhesions (or knots) within the muscle tissue. Adhesions are responsible for shortening muscle length and creating muscle imbalances. Muscle imbalances decrease range of motion and force your body to adopt poor movement patterns that often eventually lead to pain and injury.

Faster Recovery

Assisted Stretching is a form of active recovery and has been proven to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. Keeping the body moving at a low intensity enhances circulation by increasing blood flow into muscles to help move out waste and lactic acid on the cellular level. This is a very effective way for the body to deliver fresh nutrients to the muscles, promote a quick bounce back after workouts, and keep you moving well throughout your day.

Guidance & Consistency

Many people don’t know where or how to begin a consistent and progressive stretch routine. With Assisted Stretching, the therapist shows patients exactly what to do. By guiding you through either 30 or 60-minute sessions, your stretch therapist will target key muscle groups based on your body’s needs. Implementing a regular stretch routine also has many benefits outside increasing flexibility. Consistent stretching will combat soreness, reduce stress, and increase blood circulation to muscles, surrounding connective tissue, and joints.

Aids in Chiropractic Care

Looser muscles also help maintain the benefits of a chiropractic adjustment for longer periods of time. More flexible muscles help the body enhance and maintain mobility, decrease compression, and improve body alignment and posture.