Active
Isolated Stretching
With Karl Houck
What is Active Isolated Stretching?
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)
is a scientific stretching method developed by Aaron L. Mattes.
AIS utilizes precise movements to isolate a specific area to be
stretched. Once in the proper
position, the stretch is held for 1.5 to 2 seconds, released, and then
repeated 8-10 times in a set. AIS has been used by thousands of professional and amateur
athletes to increase flexibility and performance while reducing the risk
of injury. It is also
effective at reducing pain in the human body caused by posture, injury,
and inactivity. The body’s
general reaction to AIS is currently being studied by the National
Institutes of Health.
Active Isolated Stretching: How it
Works
There are two primary principles that provide the basis for how AIS works. The first is called reciprocal inhibition, which means that if you want to lift your arm, your nervous system has to shut off the muscles that bring your arm down. This means that AIS involves your nervous system in the stretch, making it easier for the muscles to elongate. The second principle is to hold the stretch for 1.5 to 2 seconds, and no longer. Holding a stretch for longer than 2.5 to 3 seconds will cause your body to engage a protective reflex. This stretch reflex will cause a muscle contraction in the muscle you are trying to stretch.
By not tripping the stretch reflex, you are able to get a gentle stretch, without the body fighting itself. The stretch is repeated 8 to 10 times in a set. The repeated “pumping” action of the muscle allows for increased circulation to the area. Because the stretches target highly specific areas of the body, AIS provides an efficient and effective stretch.Benefits of Active Isolated
Stretching
* Improves
flexibility
* Helps to relieve muscle soreness
* Reduces muscle spasm
* Helps to address chronic pain
* Reduces the risk of muscle strain and tearing
* Helps to recover from injury
* Helps to increase athletic performance
* Helps to relieve stress
* Improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells
* Helps stimulate lymph circulation and elimination of cellular waste
* Helps to maintain good posture
* Helps to regain and maintain the full range of motion of a joint
* Promotes balance in the body
About Karl Houck
Karl Houck is a bodyworker who specializes in Active Isolated Stretching. His initial training was at the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Syracuse, NY. Karl trained in AIS under the direct supervision of Aaron Mattes for six weeks in the winter of 2002. Karl is a Licensed Massage Therapist in the State of New York, a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, and a Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association.
Website. Progressive Body Therapy
About Aaron
Mattes, the Developer of AIS
Aaron Mattes received his Master of Science degree in Kinesiology
from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
He has directed rehabilitation clinics at the University of
Illinois and at the University of Toledo.
Aaron Mattes lectures internationally to people in the health care
and sports profession, and is the author of Active Isolated Stretching:
The Mattes Method. He
currently directs a sports medicine and rehabilitation clinic in Parrish,
FL. Aaron Mattes’ website
is www.stretchingusa.com.
For more information contact:
Karl Houck
Individual therapy and group instruction are available.
Active Isolated Stretching:
The Mattes Method
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