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

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.