Stretching that Enables Balanced Joint Stability and Mobility

One of the great benefits of exercise is its impact on joints. There is a common saying “Motion is Lotion” and this is particularly true when it comes to the spine and other joints in your body. Many joint injuries stem from inactivity and under-use. Movement is requisite to healthy joint maintenance.

When a joint is moved, synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant, is pushed into the joint. Synovial fluid eases joint movement and plays an important role in maintaining joint health. Movement is required to push synovial fluid into the joint.

Exercise movement (whether cardiovascular, strength training or stretching) enables lubrication, improves joint function, and will ultimately help you maintain a healthy joint over the course of your life.

The right stretch program will help decrease joint injury risk. Many people experience decrease in back pain, knee, hip and other joint pain when beginning a consistent exercise program that includes stretching. The key in designing your stretch regimen is customization to balance your joint stability with joint mobility.

There are several stretch tools we empower you with:

• Active Mobility Stretching - involves moving joints through their natural range of motion in a non-forceful manner. Tissues are not forced to deform and muscles are allowed to relax voluntarily. Active mobility stretching enables development in muscles that support healthy joint range and protect against injury, enhancing your ability to move through all 3 dimensions (top/bottom, right/left, and front/back) which is essential to joint health. Mobility stretching decompresses joints, enhances synovial fluid flow, breaks up adhesions and calcium deposits in joints, and enables pain-free movement.
• SMR (Self-myofascial Release) Stretching - SMR stretching involves use of foam rollers and other tools to open fascia in and around muscles. Fascia provides the supporting network for your body frame. SMR stretching helps mold this myofascial framework to help you achieve and retain your body’s optimum structural balance.
• Passive/Static Stretching - Static stretching is designed to improve flexibility. Once you know your body’s flexibility needs, static stretching can be a useful part of your routine.
• PNF Stretch (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) or “Contract Relax Stretching” - PNF stretching is a great tool for coaxing stubborn areas of the body into a deeper stretch, enhancing flexibility and mobility. PNF can be particularly valuable in muscles that are contributing to structural imbalances that could ultimately lead to injury.
• Training in other stretching regimens including yoga and Pilates and how these can be beneficial to you.

You are coached in creating and maintaining a stretch program that fits your personal body structure needs- an education that will empower you for the rest of your life.