Active Stretching Using the PNF Technique

[Harrison]

Zorro’s recent post on “neural kinetic therapy” post reminded of the book I read some time ago, an ageless gem I’ve mentioned many times on this forum since 2004:

Stretching – By Bob Anderson
20th Anniversary - Revised Edition

For folks who are lumbar patients post-op, be VERY careful stretching – with or without therapists. A good therapist will help you learn & determine the most appropriate techniques for you. That said, I still have a grudge against the “physical terrorist” I had post-op, who gave me small barbells to use, bending over repeatedly…until my hamstrings were torn.

In the book (which is cheap on Amazon, it may even be at your library), you’ll see a specific method that is the basis of the stretching techniques throughout the book. I’ve attached two pages from the book, I hope you find it interesting and helpful. So take it slow!

Note that these stretches are based on one many stretching techniques "out there." I'd be curious to learn about differences & similarities with the NKT Zorro mentions....

[ZorroSF]

NKT isn't stretching. if the therapist feels that in order to hit a hard to reach spot and release the muscle while you're on your back then they might perform active isolated stretching.
http://www.stretchingusa.com

NKT is really reprogramming the brain to send the electrical signal to the appropriate muscle and to make sure it stays that way after the session.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/d...=9781556438776

NeuroKinetic Therapy is based on the premise that when an injury has occurred, certain muscles shut down or become inhibited, forcing other muscles to become overworked. This compensation pattern can create pain or tightness. By applying light pressure that the client then resists, the practitioner can evaluate the strength or weakness of each muscle, revealing the sources of injury and retraining the client’s body to remove the compensation patterns—reprogramming the body at the neural level.

[Harrison]

Thanks Zorro. I've heard about this muscular before as "splinting." Perhaps this is one of many reasons why some muscles become tense or hypertonic?

I'd be hope to hear about your continued progress. Thx for sharing this information!