20 April 2022
Therapeutic Stretching Exercises
Therapeutic stretching is a physical therapy exercise based on active and passive stretching of the body’s muscles. It is often a part of the rehabilitation process after common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. There are a variety of therapeutic stretching techniques, including active isolated stretching and fascial stretch therapy. Read on to learn more about each type. Here are four popular therapeutic stretching exercises:
Fascial Stretch Therapy
In the video below, Fascial Stretch Therapy is demonstrated in its various phases of assessment, treatment, and training. The video also shows how the method can be used for athletic training. Manual therapy and athletic training are also examples of where this technique is applicable. This type of therapy is a combination of manual therapy and stretching. It can help improve the overall performance and flexibility of the body. If you are interested in learning more about Fascial Stretch Therapy, check out this article!
The process is based on the principle that all tissues are a certain level of tension. When this tension increases, it causes muscles to become tighter and more susceptible to trigger points. Fascial stretch therapy, or FST, helps increase muscle tone and prevent trigger points by regulating the nervous system. A slow stretch wave is applied to the muscles during FST. The slow stretch waves trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting rest and relaxation. In turn, this relaxation calms the muscles and reduces pain.
Deep Belly Breathing
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate deep belly breathing into your therapeutic stretching routine, you’ve come to the right place. This simple technique is effective in preparing the body for a stretch while at the same time reducing stress. Although it may seem difficult to do in the beginning, focusing on your breathing can help you achieve maximum stretch range. Simply close your eyes and breathe deeply into your abdomen. You can try breathing through your mouth as well as your belly.
Begin by putting your hands on the bottom of the rib cage of the seated client. Imagine the ribcage expanding into your hands as you exhale. Count the number of breaths as you move from the left side of the body toward the right. Repeat the procedure for as many times as needed until you’ve mastered the technique. You can even try intercostal stretching breath to target the left side of the ribcage. Then, exhale slowly as you move back to center position.
Therapeutic Stretching Exercises – Post-Facilitation Stretch
The post facilitation therapeutic stretch is an effective exercise for myofascial release and range-of-motion management. In addition to its therapeutic benefits, this technique is also effective for pain management and quality of life improvement. Its unique benefits include the ability to reduce pain and increase range-of-motion without using force. For more information about the benefits of this exercise, read on. Here’s a description of the technique:
PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) is a technique for reducing pain and increasing muscle flexibility by using a combination of passive and isometric stretching. Originally reserved for stroke patients, PNF has gained popularity among sportspersons and athletes. The most common PNF technique is the hold-relax technique. In this exercise, the patient holds the stretch for 10 seconds, and then relaxes and resumes it.