Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) Benefits: 
 

* Enhanced flexibility for fluid movement and healthy joints
* Increased circulation 
* Promotes nerve health

* Prevents future development of chronic pain patterns 
Isolates (targets) specific muscles with short hold stretch done in sets of repetitions. (hold 2 seconds; up to 10 reps)

The following stretches are common to upper body pain. Once a chronic pain pattern is established, advanced medical massage typically restores the tissues. Then good self-care will maintain the results of the massage protocol. The links provide an introduction and examples of therapeutic stretches for common pain patterns. 
 

Overview of AIS by Dr. Mercola and Mr. Mattes
Dr. Mercola 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNizTKVhOoo  

Aaron Mattes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqPpJBXRQvk 
 

Demonstrations Chest & Neck Muscles by Arron Mattes:
Chest Muscles (Pectoralis Major and minor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO2DR-cuijQ  
to help prevent upper back pain 
 

Neck Muscles (10 positions)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj_oAEPZgeo 
 

Schedule your stretch session with us to
* confirm your body position for safety and effectiveness 
* customize for your specific stressors for your complete, balanced self-care plan
* learn what it feels like when the stretch targets/isolates a specific muscle

Our lead massage therapist, Carole Suzanne Jackson, has advanced-level training with Aaron Mattes in addition to certification in clinically advanced medical massage protocols. A complete stretch session will include additional stretches for more balanced and complete results. 

 

* Always get physician's confirmation that you are healthy enough to a new exercise program. 
* This outline is for educational purposes only.