Stretch and Percussive Therapy

Stretch Therapy is a technique for treating muscle tightness, joint imbalances, and tissue restriction. Over time, stretch therapy can improve range of motion, leading to improved movement patterns and fewer injuries. Stretch therapy in principle works the same way as normal stretching, the type of stretching you would do at home or at the gym. The main difference being that with Stretch Therapy, it can be done assisted, leading to improved results. 

Two key stretching techniques are, MET and PNF. These techniques are assisted but also can allow for an isometric contraction (muscle engagement/contraction without movement). 

Percussive Therapy is another great form of treatment when paired with other techniques, like Stretch Therapy and Deep Tissue and Sports Massage. Percussive Therapy rapidly strikes the muscle tissue, increasing blood flow for faster recovery, pain relief, and improved range of motion. I like to use this technique at the end of most manual therapy sessions, to encourage the movement and flow of blood within a worked area, aiding in toxin excretion.