To Stretch or not to Stretch

I hear all the time " I don't have time to stretch". Well, we make time for the things that we WANT to do. If only, we were as smart as our animals. Have you ever noticed how they wake from deep slumber and stretch before they get moving. Fortunately for them they just need a little stretching in their routine.

Us humans can get by with as little as 15 minutes per day. We can stretch while watching TV, working, but most importantly after exercise. While we are working out, we are tightening up our muscles. If we continue this, we are setting ourselves up for injury. Does regular stretching eliminate the chance of injury? No, but it greatly reduces the chance. It's just like doing maintenance on our vehicle. If we do regular maintenance on our bodies, we'll get a lot more mileage from them and better quality miles.

There is some new thought on stretching. We were told to hold a stretch for 30 to 60 seconds in the past. Gosh, in yoga, they hold poses for as much as 2 or 3 minutes. Well that's great if the muscle that you are stretching is healthy and accustomed to that activity. Unfortunately, most of us aren't.

The new thought process and what has been getting excellent results is Active Isolated Stretching. It was developed by Aaron Mattes a Registered Kiniseologist and Massage Therapist. He has taught this work to thousands around the world including Jim and Phil Wharton. The Wharton's are famous among the athletic community for developing and maintaining many world class athletes.This new thought processs calls for us to hold a stretch for no more than 2 seconds and do from 10 to 20 repititions. Each muscle has a "myotatic reflex" that shuts down the muscle preventing any benefit from the stretch when held longer that 2 seconds. This reflex senses danger to the muscle especially if it is already compromised. This work can be done alone or with an assistant.

I recommend buying Aaron Mattes book, Active Isolated Stretching with Aaron Mattes or The Wharton Stretch Book. The latter is like the Cliff notes for the former. They are both really good if you use the information that you obtain from them. I have helped a lot my clients using this information.

2006 Highlights/2007 Preview

2006 proved to be a very exciting year. It started with the opening of Belle Forest Massage on April 1. Going to Atlanta for the Muscle Release workshop proved to be a very positive educational experience. The information that I learned there has helped many of my clients become pain free. I have earned 24 Continuing Education Units this year. This will go toward maintaining my Tennessee license and my National Certification. Most importantly, it will help me be a better massage therapist.

I was involved in several charity events in 2006. I made donations of my time and massage certificates at events such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Benefit at BMW of Nashville, Hope on Wheels Bike ride to benefit Breast Cancer at the Minnie Pearl Cancer Center, The Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. These are all great organizations that several of my clients are involved. It made them an easy choice for me to become involved with as well. I look forward to working with them again in 2007.

In 2007, I will continue to search for the latest in educational materials and seminars that will benefit my clients. I think the next step for me is to learn some Lymphatic Drainage techniques. I have experienced this work and I think that it would benefit many of you as well. I’ll keep you posted on when that happens.

In 2007, I will be increasing my rates by $5.00 for all of my sessions. The good news is that I will still be well under the going rate for massage in Nashville. The new rates will be:
30 minutes $40.00
60 minutes $70.00
90 minutes $90.00
Ask about package pricing for 2007.

Gentle reminders:
Cancellations require 24 hours notice to avoid a charge for the session.
Your appointment begins at the scheduled time. Try to be 5 minutes early.

It has been a real pleasure for me this past year to work with all of you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to help you. I look forward to another year of good times ahead. I wish you all the best for 2007.

JohnMintonMassage

I am a massage therapist in Bellevue. I work with a lot of athletes. They are mostly triathletes and runners. I do deep work and use the Muscle Release Technique for clients struggling with plantar fasciitis, neck problems, and more. I do a lot of stretching with my clients and this has proven to be very beneficial when used with massage.
I am located in Nashville, Tn at 157 Belle Forest Circle. Call me at 596-2564 to schedule an appointment