- Neural stretching is a form of static stretching that is useful for repairing the nervous system structures around the pelvis, neck and shoulder area. This type of stretching is necessary for injuries that cause a restriction of movement of the neural structures or excess neural tension. During a neural stretch, a therapist will bring the limb to the farthest point of stretch and hold for three to four seconds and sometimes up to 10 seconds.
- Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation takes on many forms, one being static stretching. It is used mostly by sports injury professionals and physiotherapists, or doctors who treat patients with physical problems caused by aging, illness or an accident. PNF is beneficial for improving muscle strength and coordination as well as increasing muscle endurance. During the stretch, a professional brings the limb to the starting position and provides resistance as the patient tenses the muscle for approximately six seconds. The patient then stretches the limb further for deeper muscle work.
- Passive stretching, also referred to as static-passive stretching or relaxed stretching, is a form of static stretching that is useful for relieving spasms in injured muscles, cooling down after a workout and reducing soreness and muscle fatigue. During a passive stretch, an individual will assume a stretching position and hold, using the assistance of a partner or another apparatus such as a hand towel or a stretch band. An example of a passive stretch is the splits, with the floor acting as the assisting apparatus.
- Isometric stretching is another type of static stretching that involves the resistance of muscle groups through the tensing, or isometric contraction, of the stretched muscles. This type of stretching is useful for quickly developing increased static-passive flexibility and decreasing the amount of pain associated with stretching. During an isometric stretch, an individual assumes the stretch position, tenses the stretched muscles for seven to 15 seconds while resisting against a partner or apparatus and then relaxes the muscles for approximately 20 seconds. To avoid damaging connective tissue and tendons, children and adolescents should not perform isometric stretches.
previous post