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Download this Special Report Article on stretching. Lots of information from one of my favorite books 'Stretch to Win!'   Click below!

                     ***STRETCH TO TONE***



"Proper stretching is the most overlooked part of rehabilitation, fitness, and strength training. It is the MOST POWERFUL self-help recovery and regeneration activity you can do to stay pain free. Increase flexibility, muscle tone, and learn to move better. When you move better...you live better!"  -Dr. Perry


What is Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)?

Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) differs from conventional stretching exercises in that certain exercise techniques are used to stretch muscles when they are fully relaxed; but AIS offers a more controlled yet intense stretching routine that has a low risk of injury.

AIS stretches are done in slow sequences, whereby a particular stretch is held for 1.5 to 2 seconds, is released, and then repeated for up to 10 times. AIS is used to build strength and stamina, as well as for the treatment of pain caused by poor posture, injury, or inactivity. By using ropes, bands and balls you can have a fun stetch workout with quick results. This is not your typical boring stretch and hold method that can cause injury.



How AIS Works

There are two main mechanisms behind AIS. The first is called reciprocal inhibition and works on the basis that a given area of the body consists of antagonistic  muscles. For instance, if the upper thighs are the areas in focus, the quadricep muscles at the front of your thighs will compliment the hamstring muscles found in the back regions. When the quadriceps are stretched, the hamstrings will be maximally relaxed. Thus, if you want to stretch the hamstrings, you must ensure that these muscles are relaxed by stretching the cantagonistic  muscles (quadriceps) prior to your intended stretch.

The mechanism of reciprocal inhibition is believed to be more effective in elongating muscles than conventional stretches, which are more prone to injury.

The second mechanism involved in AIS relies on preventing the body from engaging in protective reflexes. A protective reflex state usually results from holding (conventional) stretches for over 2.5 seconds. By engaging in brief, intense stretches, AIS avoids this state and thus avoids contracting complimentary muscles and instead maintains muscle relaxation. In addition, the repetition of these stretches in a given AIS sequence promotes circulation and muscle strength, while elongating muscles and improving flexibility.

Benefits of Active Stretching

The main benefits of AIS include the following:

• improving flexibility
• relieving muscle soreness
• treating muscle spasms
• reducing chronic pain
• healing from injury
• increases athletic performance
• stress relief
• improving oxygen and nutrient intake through the blood
• stimulating lymph circulation
• improving metabolism including elimination of cellular waste
• improving and maintaining good posture
• improving range of motion including joints
• improving balance

These types of controlled stretches are a critical part of our therapy program and are generally useful in order to target specific parts of the body. They can accompany more intense stretching exercise routines such as yoga or Pilates. You will learn all of the skills necessary to take care of yourself long after our 10-visit Program has concluded.

New patients are currently being accepted

Call for an appointment

Pain Laser Center, LLC
@ Edge Fitness
Ramsey, NJ 07446
(973) 800-6580
drperry@painlasercenter.com