Adequate flexibility is important to be able to have movement efficiency and perform at peak abilities. Appropriate levels of flexibility should be part of every performance program. Stretching can lengthen the muscle, strengthen it in its new range, and also work on balance and coordination. Flexibility is linked to improved joint function, reduced movement restriction, and a reduced risk of pain or injury. Stretching includes active stretching, active assisted, active isolation, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
Active-assisted stretches with and without manual mobilization are useful for enhancing functional range of motion. Active stretches require muscle force to attain and hold a position, whereas active-assisted stretching employs additional leverage to provide greater relative ROM during the stretch. The active assisted stretching with soft tissue mobilization is a manual stretch with soft tissue mobilization techniques applied during the stretch to promote ROM in soft tissue. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is an effective way of using reflexes to assist with muscular relaxation. Stretching using these principles is only one part of a system used by physical therapists to help muscular strengthening, stability, neuromuscular control, as well as mobility and coordination. This has been shown to be superior to static stretching in some literature.
Fascia stretches with and without manual mobilization are used to address tightness and adhesions within fascia. Fascia restrictions cause limitation in joint ROM, postural problems, low back pain, problems with muscle coordination and proprioception. The purpose of fascia is of structural support, it connects and holds things together. Reduction of tension in the fascia will allow the athlete to move without restriction in their full range of motion. It also allows reduction of soft tissue that causes pain in the daily lives, such as sitting at a desk all day.
Dr. Warren sought out the best way to improve his patients’ ability to improve their daily mobility. He became certified in MobilityWOD as Certified MobilityWOD Movement and Mobility Specialist and Certified MobilityWOD Coach.
MobilityWOD is the ultimate guide to resolving pain, preventing injury, and optimizing athletic performance. Humans have been evolving for 2.5 million years and the human body is extraordinarily engineered. While people are born with this incredible machine, they aren’t born with the right software to run that machine. MobilityWOD is designed to help you hack your body’s mechanics and provide the tools to perform basic maintenance on yourself.
