YOUR FIRST STRETCH

Different from massage, yoga, and other stretching modalities, the Stretch Zone Method does not seek to make muscles more flexible or elastic. Instead, Stretch Zone works to re-educate the nervous system to increase active range of motion efficiently and effortlessly. It is a complete proprietary system of practitioner-assisted stretching that yields real results. From the proprietary table to the patented strapping and stabilization system, the experience at Stretch Zone is unlike any other.

Massage stimulates mostly superficial muscles, while stretching activates the deep postural muscles. For example, to massage the psoas muscle, massage therapists must dig their fingertips deep between the superficial muscles of the groin area, which is uncomfortable and awkward. With practitioner-assisted stretching, the psoas can be isolated and stretched effectively.

Stretch Zone does not require the removal of clothing, and our stretches are performed in view of others, allowing for a greater level of comfort for clients – a much different setting than a massage. The results of practitioner-assisted stretching are not only felt immediately following the stretch session but are long-lasting.

The Stretch Zone Method is neither, and it is both – it depends on the circumstances. For instance, the stretch before an athletic activity is active, and after a marathon, it is passive. Many factors determine this, such as: Is the muscle in a tonic protective contraction to prevent an injury? Is it a muscle in a shortened position from repetitive overuse syndrome? Are you working with a person with a neuromuscular condition (Parkinson’s, M.S., cerebral palsy, etc.)? Is the person severely deconditioned or elderly? All of these determine whether the stretch is passive or active.

In most cases, Stretch Zone adheres to a two-second hold for weak phasic muscles and 6-8 seconds for tonic postural muscles.

Stretch Zone takes the positioning and stabilization of clients to a new level with our patented strapping system and proprietary tables. When the body is stabilized correctly, it can relax and allow a full stretch to occur.

Stretch Zone’s patented strapping system:

• Helps to position, stabilize, and isolate targeted muscles
• Prevents the body from seeking the path of least resistance, whereby targeted muscles receive the stretch instead of the non-targeted ones
• Gives the practitioners an extra set of hands to work with to improve the stretch
• Offers a stabilizing advantage leading to less effort being required for each stretch
• Increases the practitioner’s sensitivity, perception, and monitoring of the stretch reflex
• Reduces the sensation of fear or loss of control and relaxes the muscles being stretched
• Helps control and alter stretch timing to help overcome the stretch reflex
• Reestablishes a more ideal resting muscle tone
• Allows for the extension of muscles farther than the central nervous system normally permits

Stretch Zone adheres to the practical application of Wolff’s and Sherrington’s Laws, the stretch reflex, reciprocal inhibition, and some lesser-known but extremely powerful principles of neuromuscular behavior to build “stretch tolerance.”

You cannot stretch a muscle: muscles simply increase their “stretch tolerance.”

You cannot truly “stretch” a muscle. Muscles are not very elastic, and muscle length does not really change despite what the word “stretch” implies, they extend and retract. The distance you can extend a muscle is determined by the sensitivity of the stretch reflex, which is the body’s automatic defense against the dangers of overstretching.

Muscle inhibition allows muscles to unlock and extend open. Muscles do not “stretch” to a longer length, but they can extend further and further by increasing their “tolerance” to a stretch. More and more research shows that proper stretching does not make muscles permanently longer. Instead, stretching re-educates the nervous system to tolerate a greater degree of muscle extension without firing pain signals.

Stretch Zone works on building your “stretch tolerance” by continuously moving just outside your comfort zone – just to the point of resistance – and then returning to a comfortable neutral tension. By repeatedly moving just slightly into and out of this “Stretch Zone,” you can expand your comfort zone and functional range of motion.

Weppler, C. H., & Magnusson, S. P. (2010). Increasing muscle extensibility: a matter of increasing length or modifying sensation? Physical Therapy, 90(3), 438–449. doi:10.2522/ptj.20090012 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20075147/
Marshall, P. W. M., Cashman, A., & Cheema, B. S. (2011). A randomized controlled trial for the effect of passive stretching on measures of hamstring extensibility, passive stiffness, strength, and stretch tolerance. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 14(6), 535–540. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2011.05.003 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21636321/
Can apparent increases in muscle extensibility with regular stretch be explained by changes in tolerance to stretch? Hollie Folpp 1, Simon Deall, Lisa A Harvey, Tom Gwinn Affiliations expand PMID: 16515422 DOI: 10.1016/s0004-9514(06)70061-7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16515422/

• Correcting compensational shifts and muscle imbalances
• Increasing and maintaining range of motion
• Enhancing physical and athletic skills
• Relief from stiffness and soreness
• Improved sleeping patterns
• Increased muscle relaxation
• Feeling lighter and younger
• Reduction in stress
• Flex-Ability for Life®

Flex-Ability for Life: an approach that allows you to “Do Your Life Better.” Whether you want to perform better at a sport or just sit in a chair and comfortably cross your legs, Stretch Zone can help. It doesn’t matter if you are living an active lifestyle or have had a lifetime of not exercising. Stretch Zone re-educates your muscles to move functionally with a greater active range of motion and with less effort. We present the opportunity for you to regain the ability to do what you once enjoyed doing and then continue enjoying it for life.

Rarely. When the body is positioned and stabilized correctly, the body doesn’t feel fear. Communication is paramount to remove any anxiety to fully relax and receive the most optimal and safe stretch. The client is always informed of where they will feel each stretch, and clients always choose their preferred stretch intensity. Stretch Zone stretches are done using our 3, 5, 7 intensity scale to ensure that no one gets close to the end of their tolerance.

Sometimes, there may be slight soreness after the first stretch session from the break-up of adhesions.  Some people form adhesions that cause muscles to be ‘glued’ together. This inhibits your full range of motion. Isolating and stretching these muscles can cause adhesions to break up, resulting in a minor soreness similar to what you would feel after a good workout.

All stretches are performed by certified practitioners, who must successfully complete a rigorous 40-hour training program. Many Stretch Zone practitioners begin as massage therapists, sports physiologists, personal trainers, physical therapists, or chiropractors before they become certified in the Stretch Zone Method. The Stretch Zone Method is a nationally-recognized certification that has met or exceeded the high standards of excellence put forth by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and has been recognized and awarded the esteemed designation of Board Approved Continuing Education Provider.