How do you feel after 8 hours in front of the computer? Do your muscles feel tight after a bike or running session Stretching has been a part of our fitness routine since the beginning of time. It is one of the best ways to increase flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow. But how do you know which stretches are suitable for you? That’s where the benefits of assisted stretching come in. Let me tell you more about it:
What is an assisted stretch?
Assisted stretching is a form of stretching that uses the assistance of a partner or therapist to help you stretch. It can be done in the gym or at home with a partner or therapist. The purpose of assistive stretching is to improve your range of motion by gently moving your body into arduous positions to get into on your own.
Why should you stretch?
There are many reasons why stretching is essential. Some of the most common benefits of stretching include:
- Improving recovery time after a workout or practice session. It’s essential to give your body time to recover; stretching can help increase blood flow and relieve muscle tension. It’s also a great way to warm up before exercise.
- Preventing injury. Stretching prepares your body for movement by increasing flexibility, balance, and coordination, making it more likely that you won’t injure yourself during physical activity (like running).
- Alleviating pain from conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis (which both cause stiffness in joints). By improving range of motion through stretching, this issue may also be alleviated somewhat!
#1 Always warm-up
Stretches shouldn’t be done when your body is cold. A warm-up before your stretching routine is crucial to avoid tendon tears and muscle pulls. Active movements are the best ones to ensure your body is prepared for the stretches.
#2 Start Slowly and smoothly
Start slowly and push yourself as your muscles loosen up. The movements should be smooth in order to avoid pulled muscles.
#3 Hold the stretch and don’t bounce
Once you feel your muscles reaching the limit (pain-free) hold the position for 15-30 seconds. Then, slowly move back to a neutral starting position and repeat the stretch on the other side. It’s imperative to avoid bouncing, so you’ll feel a constant pull in your muscles.
#4 Learn to feel your body
You need to know your limitations and pains. Stretches shouldn’t be painful, and you need to identify the point where your muscles are getting most of the stretch without reaching the pain.
In the beginning, some people can have uncomfortable feelings. However, it doesn’t need to be “painful.”
#5 Optimize For training and sports
It has been well proven that static stretches can decrease force, power, and performance. So, it is recommended to have a proper warm-up, including dynamic movements to increase the range of motion.
Some examples should include side lunges, straight leg kicks, and forward lunges with side lean and arm circles.
Stretching vs. massage
Massage is a type of assisted stretching. There are many different types of massage, but they all involve using hands to work out the kinks in muscles and tendons.
Assisted stretching involves the same idea, except it is done by a professional who helps you stretch and relax your muscles instead of doing it yourself. During an assisted stretch session, your therapist will guide you through each step so that you can properly move your body into each pose or position safely and effectively.
One thing that sets this form of physical therapy apart from other forms is that most people prefer their personal space when stretching—and since this treatment doesn’t typically require lying down on any kind of equipment during treatment sessions (unless you need some extra help), there’s no worry about having someone else’s sweat dripping onto yours during post-treatment stretches!
Benefits of assisted stretching
- Stretching can help with pain relief
- Stretching can help with overall health
- Stretching can help with muscle recovery
- Stretching can help with injury prevention
- Stretching can help with blood flow
Find a stretch therapist
You may be able to find a stretch therapist by using these criteria:
- Look for a therapist with experience. A good stretch therapist has years of experience and training in the field of stretching and physical therapy.
- Look for a therapist who is licensed. Make sure that the person you are working with is properly licensed in their state or area; this means they have gone through the proper schooling and passed all the required tests, including both practical and written exams.
- Look for a therapist who is certified. Many therapists choose not to become certified, but those who do will generally have more training than those who do not, so look for someone who has current certification from an established group like APTA (American Physical Therapy Association).
An assisted stretch can help increase flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow.
- Stretching is good for your overall health.
- Stretching can help prevent injury.
- Stretching can help increase flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow.
- It also helps you relax!
Final Thoughts on the benefits of assisted stretching
We’ve covered a lot of ground here, but hopefully, you now understand better what an assisted stretch is, why it can be so beneficial in your fitness and workout routine and how to get started. If you’re looking for a great way to improve your flexibility and range of motion, we encourage you to try these methods!
