A Kneaded Break

About | How it Works  | Benefits | Treatment  | About Aaron Mattes  | Photos

 

About Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)

Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is a scientifically designed flexibility system that works with the body to create and maintain balance. With AIS you gently stretch a specific muscle, hold the stretch for 2 seconds and then release. The pumping action circulates purifying oxygen into the muscle tissue and flushes out damaging toxins such as lactic acid.

Pioneered by Aaron L. Mattes, Active Isolated Stretching is practiced in many areas of healthcare and sports by a multitude of Doctors, Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Personal Trainers and Athletes to improve the body's potential to not only heal itself, but to enhance performance as well. Active Isolated Stretching helps the body to function efficiently by increasing range of motion of the joint and neuro-muscular re-education. 

 

 

How AIS Works

There are two primary principles that provide the basis for how AIS works. The first is called reciprocal inhibition and innervation, which means that if you want to lift your arm, your nervous system has to shut off the muscles that bring your arm down while turning on the ones that lift it up. AIS works with your nervous system, and in the process re-educates the muscles to function properly and how to utilize and maintain full range of motion. The second principle is to hold the stretch for 2 seconds, and no longer. Holding a stretch for longer than 2.5 to 3 seconds will cause your body to engage a protective reflex. This stretch reflex will trigger a muscle contraction in the muscle you are trying to stretch.

By not tripping the stretch reflex you are able to get a gentle stretch, without the body fighting itself. The stretch is repeated 8 to 10 times in a set. The repeated "pumping" action of the muscle allows for increased circulation to the area. Because AIS targets very specific angles of the muscle and promotes full ROM of the joint, the results are a highly efficient and effective stretch.

 

 

Benefits of AIS

  • Improves flexibility
  • Helps to relieve stress
  • Reduces muscle spasm
  • Helps to recover from injury
  • Promotes balance in the body
  • Helps to address chronic pain
  • Helps to maintain good posture
  • Helps to relieve muscle soreness
  • Helps to increase athletic performance
  • Reduces the risk of muscle strain and tearing
  • Improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells
  • Helps to regain and maintain the full range of motion of a joint
  • Helps stimulate lymph circulation and elimination of cellular waste

 

 

AIS is effective in treating a range of physical disorders including:

  • Ankle Sprains
  • Arthritis
  • Calf Muscle Pull
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Chronic Lower Back Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Golfers Elbow
  • Headaches
  • Knee & Hip Replacement
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
  • Poor Circulation
  • Pre & Post Surgery
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  • Scleroderma
  • Scoliosis
  • Spine Injuries
  • Sports Injuries
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Thigh & Hamstring Pulls
  • Thoracic outlet Syndrome
  • Whiplash Injuries

 

In a private one on one Assisted Active Isolated Stretching session Marjorie will aid you in performing a customized stretching and strengthening program. You will be shown the correct way to do each movement so you can continue to stretch on your own. The sessions run from an hour and a half to two hours. A minimum of 90 minutes is required for $150.00.

 

 

 

About Aaron Mattes

Aaron Mattes received his Master of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has directed rehabilitation clinics at the University of Illinois and at the University of Toledo. Aaron Mattes lectures internationally to people in the health care and sports profession, and is the author of Active Isolated Stretching: The Mattes Method. He currently directs a sports medicine and rehabilitation clinic in Sarasota, Florida.  

To learn more about Aaron and his Clinic please visit his website.

 

 

Photos

 

For information on Marjorie's Seminars and Workshops please visit www.brookseminars.com

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