ReFORM with Rachel

F AQ's about Active Assisted Stretching Sessions

WHAT ARE ACTIVE ISOLATED STRETCHING SESSIONS AND WHY IS IT BENEFICIAL?

AIS is stretching the muscles and joints repetitively and holding each stretch for 2-3 seconds. This allows for the target muscle to optimally lengthen without triggering the protective reflex that naturally resists the stretch, opposed to when you hold a stretch for 30+ seconds. Length is achieved more quickly because we can take the stretch further than it can go without assistance. It also aims to strengthen the muscle tissue.

When you incorporate AIS into your fitness program:

Your overall flexibility will increase
Your body will be better aligned
You will Reduce the risk of injury
You will be able to move with more ease throughout the day

WHY ARE MUSCLES STABILIZED DURING A SESSION?

Most often the practitioner will stabilize other body parts and muscles either with straps or their hands. This allows it to get to the internal muscles of the spine, especially, it increases fluid to the discs, and loosens the ligaments that hold the joints tightly together.

HOW DOES IT HELP WITH BACK ISSUES?

It helps with low back pain, disc problems, as well as scoliosis. In most cases, lower back issues happen because of underdeveloped abdominal muscles. Tight hamstrings and hip flexors also play a part. AIS also helps strengthen weak muscles.

HOW CAN IT HELP WITH SCIATIC ISSUES?

Sciatica is pain that radiates down the sciatic nerve from the spine all the way down to the toes. Pain could be caused for a few reasons even from pressure from sitting on a wallet in a back pocket, to trauma from an injury, or twisting the wrong way.
To alleviate the pressure off the sciatic nerve, the gluteal muscles need to be opened up first, followed by the hamstrings. Once those are loose, the piriformis muscle can be stretched, the sciatic nerve runs directly underneath it.

HOW CAN IT HELP WITH SHIN SPLINTS AND PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

The focus is to stretch the achilles ( calf) muscle. When it’s tight the shin ( anterior tibialis) muscle becomes overstretched during extension causing pain.

WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT AND PAIN?

The goal is to stretch the entire shoulder joint and surrounding muscles, emphasizing sideways elevation, palm facing backward. Also opening up the chest muscles and strengthening the rotator cuff muscles.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE AN ASSISTED STRETCH SESSION WITH A PROFESSIONAL?
A trained professional is able to position, stabilize, and isolate each muscle properly. This also limits risk for injury. It’s more relaxing than stretching on your own, and increases blood and lymph flow.