Facilitated Stretching

"The text provides a useful overview of PNF stretching - safe and easy-to-use method that involves stretching the muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, then stretching it again to a new range of motion." "Whether you're a fitness professional, therapist, coach, athlete, or student, Facilitated Stretching, Third Edition, will help you assess current muscle function, improve range of motion, increase strength, reduce overuse injuries, and enhance performance."--BOOK JACKET.

Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition, examines techniques and guidelines for PNF stretches in a variety of settings. Stretches are demonstrated on a treatment table, mat on the floor, chair, cable-pulley machine, and weightlifting bench. Stretches are grouped according to each joint, and the majority of the stretches include both a partner stretch version and a self-stretch version. As in previous editions, specific routines are included for cycling, golf, running, swimming, throwing and racket sports, and now ice hockey. It also includes general stretches for everyday use, plus stretches for those with “rusty hinges.” These ready-made stretching routines make it easy to incorporate facilitated stretching into a workout regimen and take the guesswork out of organizing a stretching routine to match the needs of a specific sport.

Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition With Online Video, remains the most trusted resource for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, an effective and easy-to-use method that involves stretching the muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, and then stretching it again to increase range of motion. Featuring a full-color interior, streamlined organization, and a new online video package, the fourth edition brings PNF stretching beyond the treatment room with the inclusion of techniques for the gym, workout room, and home. The fourth edition offers a visual demonstration of PNF stretching techniques with more than 320 photos and illustrations. It includes these updates: • A full-color interior provides readers with clear images of the techniques discussed • Graphic elements on selected photos highlight the muscles being stretched as well as the isometric effort for the stretcher and the partner • Reorganization streamlines the content into two parts, first focusing on the basics and then covering stretches • Expanded content demonstrates how to incorporate stretches, including strengthening routines, into nontherapy workouts to optimize functional training • An appendix showcases anatomical planes of motion, anatomical terms, and types of joints • Online high-definition video presents both treatment room techniques and simplified PNF stretches for nontherapy settings Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition, examines techniques and guidelines for PNF stretches in a variety of settings. Stretches are demonstrated on a treatment table, mat on the floor, chair, cable-pulley machine, and weightlifting bench. Stretches are grouped according to each joint, and the majority of the stretches include both a partner stretch version and a self-stretch version. The accompanying online video then demonstrates more than 90 of these stretches to reinforce proper technique for each stretch as well as four sample stretching routines. Visual icons in the book indicate which stretches are shown in the video. As in previous editions, specific routines are included for cycling, golf, running, swimming, throwing and racket sports, and now ice hockey. It also includes general stretches for everyday use, plus stretches for those with “rusty hinges.” These ready-made stretching routines make it easy to incorporate facilitated stretching into a workout regimen and take the guesswork out of organizing a stretching routine to match the needs of a specific sport. For accomplished athletes or those just beginning a fitness program, the regular use of facilitated stretching can help improve flexibility and coordination and boost performance and enjoyment of sports. Manual therapists, massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, sport physicians, and coaches will find valuable information and techniques for optimizing flexibility, coordination, and performance. Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition, provides access to the latest PNF stretching techniques to help assess current muscle function, improve range of motion, increase strength, address overuse injuries, and enhance performance. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

Therapeutic Stretching focuses on the use of both active and passive stretching as part of the rehabilitation of common musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Covering all forms of stretches for the able-bodied, injured, and selected special populations, Therapeutic Stretching is a comprehensive resource for practitioners and students working in massage therapy, osteopathy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and personal and athletic training. With both active and passive stretches outlined for a range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, Therapeutic Stretching offers a range of rehabilitative stretches for the foot and ankle, knee and leg, hip and thigh, upper limb, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and fingers, and back and neck. Author Jane Johnson, a practicing physiotherapist, sport massage therapist, and body work instructor, provides information on incorporating passive stretching as a treatment option and selecting appropriate active stretches for clients to practice at home. Heavily illustrated with more than 230 color photos, Therapeutic Stretching provides excellent visual instruction on client positioning and the most effective handholds for the application of passive stretches to various joints and soft tissues. A user-friendly format, clear explanations of stretching techniques, and visual guidance from photos help students and practitioners readily incorporate these stretches into their practice. Therapeutic Stretching outlines the rationale for stretching after musculoskeletal injury along with general safety guidelines and an overview of the musculoskeletal conditions addressed in the text. Also included is a discussion of the differences between and applications of passive, active, and advanced forms of stretching such as muscle energy technique (MET) and soft tissue release (STR). Readers of Therapeutic Stretching will find a 10-step process for designing, implementing, and assessing a stretching program. The text discusses applications of therapeutic stretching for three special populations: elderly clients, pregnant women, and athletes. For each, a listing of common physiological factors or characteristics that might affect a stretching program is included, along with tips on modifications to employ when working with these individuals. Following this foundational information are three chapters with photos and descriptions of active and passive stretches for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and trunk. Here readers will find stretches useful for treating injuries and conditions such as sprained ankles, shin splints, runner’s knee, tight calves or hamstrings, adhesive capsulitis, lateral epicondylitis, stiff wrists, kyphosis, low back pain, stiff neck, and whiplash. Special Tip boxes throughout the text offer guidance on modifying the stretches and techniques to meet the needs of individual clients. Tables detail the passive and active stretches covered in each chapter and indicate whether a stretch is contraindicated for a particular injury or condition. Following most chapters are five Quick Questions that assist readers in gauging their understanding of the content. In addition, Therapeutic Stretching includes a visual guide to stretching routines that could be performed in the prone, supine, and seated positions. These suggested routines assist students and practitioners new to therapeutic stretching in learning to apply these stretches in an efficient manner and without excessive repositioning of the client. Therapeutic Stretching offers a range of stretches to assist both current and future practitioners in safely treating clients rehabilitating from musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Delivering the most up-to-date stretching techniques, this guide is a valuable resource for professionals in health care, rehabilitation, fitness, and body work seeking tools to assist their clients in alleviating muscular pain, reducing joint stiffness, and speeding recovery from injury. Therapeutic Stretching is part of the Hands-On Guides for Therapists series, providing tools of assessment and treatment that fall well within the realm of massage therapists but may be useful for other body workers, such as osteopaths and fitness instructors. The guides include full-color instructional photographs, Tips sections that provide advice on adjusting massage techniques, Client Talk boxes that present ideas for creatively applying techniques for various types of clients, and questions that test knowledge and skill.

With over 640 full-color photos demonstrating basic to advanced stretches, Full-Body Flexibility presents an easy-to-use approach to flexibility. Premier fitness instructor Jay Blahnik blends the best of yoga, Pilates, martial arts, and sport training in stretching sequences that can be used for warm-ups, cool-downs and challenging workouts. Incorporates 175 stretches and 23 routines including a total-body stretching program for athletes, a posture stretching program, an at-the-office program, and 10- and 20-minute programs for fitness. Original.

"Master the science behind Vinyasa Flow and the standing poses of Hatha Yoga. Dr. Ray Long guides you on a visual narrative through the anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology of this ancient art, decoding each pose along the way. The Mat Companion series provides you with beautifully illustrated, step-by-step instructions on how to use scientific principles to obtain the maximum benefit from your practice. Each book includes the Bandha Yoga Codex, a simple five-step process that can be applied to any pose to improve strength, flexibility, and precision - no matter what style of yoga you practice."--Publisher's description.

"DVD-ROM which includes the full text plus video clips of the author demonstrating many of the techniques.