The Many Benefits of Assisted Stretching

Assisted stretching is a technique that involves having one person guide another person through a stretch or series of stretches to increase mobility and flexibility of a muscle or group of muscles. It is also recognized for its ability to improve muscle, joint, and nerve function. This type of flexibility training has been used in various athletic settings for years, and is now used in gyms, spas, and stretching centers.

Assisted stretch therapy has many benefits for our patients here at Denton Sports Chiropractic:

Reduces Stress

When our bodies accumulate stress, we often carry it in our muscles. This increased tension within the muscle tissue can contract muscle length and produce pain. When stretching, the body releases the mood-boosting neurotransmitter, serotonin, which helps encourage your muscles to relax.

Assisted stretching takes the guesswork out of your stretch routine and variables needed for optimal results. Patients can unwind and let their stretch therapist do all the work!

Improves Performance

A regular stretch routine can increase range of motion and flexibility. Stretching is an excellent way to boost athletic performance and strength, while protecting against injuries.

Strength requires flexibility. So when muscles are more flexible, they can relax and elongate more fully. A fully lengthened muscle allows more muscle fibers available for improved muscle engagement. Improved muscle engagement leads to greater power and strength for explosive movements that positively influence athletic performance.

Decreases Risk of Injury

While there is no hard scientific evidence to support a meaningful reduction in injury risk because of assisted stretching, there is a substantial increase in injury risk when we don’t stretch. When flexibility training is ignored, tension within the muscles of the body develops. Increased tension in muscles reduces flexibility and can lead to adhesions (or knots) within the muscle tissue. These knots are responsible for reducing muscle length and producing muscle imbalances. Muscle imbalances decrease range of motion and push your body to adopt poor movement patterns that often eventually lead to pain and injury.

Accelerates Recovery

Considered a form of active recovery, assisted stretching has been proven to speed up the body’s natural healing process. Keeping the body moving at a low intensity improves circulation by increasing blood flow into muscles to help get rid of waste and lactic acid on the cellular level. This is a highly effective way for the body to transport fresh nutrients to the muscles, stimulate a rapid bounce back after workouts, and keep you moving well throughout your day.

Aids in Chiropractic Care

Looser muscles help maintain the many benefits of a chiropractic adjustment for longer periods. Muscles with more flexibility help the body enhance and maintain mobility, reduce compression, and improve body alignment and posture.

Provides Guidance & Consistency

Many people are unsure of where or how to start a consistent and progressive stretch routine. With assisted stretching, the therapist shows patients precisely what to do. By guiding you through either 30 or 60-minute sessions, your stretch therapist will focus on key muscle groups based on your body’s needs.

By implementing a regular stretch routine, you can enjoy many benefits outside of increasing flexibility. Consistent stretching can prevent soreness, decrease stress, and increase blood circulation to muscles, surrounding connective tissue, and joints.

Assisted Stretching Near You | Denton Sports Chiropractic