Comments on: Everything in moderation…

By: Seattle Massage School

Seattle Massage School — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:23:35 +0000

I really enjoyed reading about this article on stretching! We teach our students that stretching is good across the board but perhaps we should be more specific when it comes to working on athletes. I would agree with you in that passive stretching seems to target the attachments while resisted targets the belly. Good to have to mix of both and to make sure students understand the difference. Thanks again!

By: massage continuing ed

massage continuing ed — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:12:13 +0000

Good post about both the importance – and limitations – of stretching. I think you’ve raised some interesting questions here.

By: Massage Hong Kong

Massage Hong Kong — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:43:48 +0000

Always stretch.

By: massage business

massage business — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:16:21 +0000

What this is really calling for then is a greater awareness of the subtleties of stretching and the functioning of our muscles, which can only be a good thing.

By: Mr. Randy

Mr. Randy — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:40:06 +0000

Great article! I’m kind of on the fence with this no stretching prior to an event? I agree that post stretching is a must. But I believe passive stretching prior to an event should really be dependent on the person and the event. A well seasoned athlete running a marathon or 5k is a lot different than a weekend runner doing the same. So I wouldn’t group everyone into one category

By: INeedaMassage

INeedaMassage — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:24:10 +0000

I tend to think that flexibility is largely inherited. I have clients who have never stretched or even exercised but,boy are they flexible ..

By: Dr. Dustin Fraker

Dr. Dustin Fraker — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:44:02 +0000

I like the way you have explained this logically. Great article. I do a functional posture alignment class that is heavily based on resistance stretching and it works wonders for people to restore balance not necessarily just get more flexible. Flexibility alone = instability. Thanks for the article!

By: Joyce South

Joyce South — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:09:44 +0000

Thank you for this wonderful article. I talk to my clients so often about “easy lengthening” rather than “stretching”. I see people every day that over stretch before intense exercise or marathon running, then they come to me so see if I can ‘fix’ it. I will pass this information on because I like the way you explained it.
Joyce South LMT

By: Massage Plano Texas

Massage Plano Texas — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:02:44 +0000

Hrmmm. I do see your point about economy of running, yet it seems possible that it is of benefit to only a minority of people.

In my practice I see much discomfort and damage from “tight” calves and hamstrings, among runners and non-runners. Tight calves in particular seem to correlate with heel spurs and lower back pain.

Just my point of view – I wouldn’t encourage the majority of the general public to think tight muscles will make them marathon winners.

John James LMT

By: Toronto Massage Therapy & Acupuncture

Toronto Massage Therapy & Acupuncture — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:14:42 +0000

I agree with you loud and clear. Stretch after the event/workout. Research also shows that stretching pre event also leads to more injuries. Making those joints, ligaments and tendons looser before an event takes away stability and healthy muscle tension leading to twisted ankles, tweaked knees, etc.

Stretching in the right way, at the right time has so many benefits that it should be part of any athlete’s training.