What is Active Isolated Stretching (A.I.S)?
The experts at Lushington Chiropractic in Eastbourne explain what active isolated stretching is and how it can be used effectively as part of a health and wellbeing programme.
Active Isolated Stretching is a stretching technique used by the massage therapists here at Eastbourne Chiropractic to help relieve tight and aching muscles. It is a technique created by Aaron Mattes, an American kinesiologist and massage therapist.
AIS is a system of stretches done in a specific way to bring oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue. The stretches are done in a specific order and a very specific way. It makes use of reciprocal inhibition that says if you contract the thigh muscle the muscles at the back of the leg will relax and lengthen thus providing these muscles with a stretch.
In A.I.S the stretches are also done in a unique manner the stretch is applied to the muscle and a few extra pounds of pressure is applied until mild discomfort is felt in the muscle this is then held for around two seconds then released back down in a controlled manner.
How does AIS work?
The idea behind this is to encourage something called the stretch reflex in the muscle, which switches on after a few seconds to stop the muscle being overstretched. The theory is that once the stretch reflex is initiated, the muscle is in a held state and this constricts oxygen and nutrient flow to the muscle which in turn delays the repair process.
This principle follows the same theory that if you want to increase the muscle strength and size you would use resistance and repetitions to facilitate better function. The stretches will be done for repetitions usually around ten with an aim of increasing the range by two degrees with each repetition, thus gaining an improvement of twenty degrees in the range of motion.
Active isolated stretching uses stretching protocols done in a specific order to address imbalances in the muscles. These stretches are then combined with strengthening exercises to remedy any imbalances.
A.I.S is a really effective aid in reducing tension and tightness in the muscle and as a warm up or cool down before and after sport or physical activity. For more information on A.I.S in Eastbourne, why not consult the team at Lushington Chiropractic to discuss your needs.
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