Active Isolated Stretch
What is Active Isolated Stretch?
Developed by Aaron Mattes, Active Isolated Stretch method utilizes dynamic movements which release fascia, muscle, tendon and ligament and restores optimal physiological function.
Using a 2 second stretch and a specific number of repetitions at a specific angle, the target muscle is allowed to achieve optimal length.
AIS is based on the physiological Law Of Reciprocal Inhibition. This law states that as one muscle (agonist) contracts, the opposing muscle (antagonist) lengthens.
Why We Lose Flexibility
- Overuse, trauma, inflammation, and repetitive strain injuries can and do produce tension in the fascia (connective tissue), muscles, tendons, ligaments and ultimately, the joints.
- Postural imbalance and faulty movement patterns during daily activities, at work, while participating in sports can promote muscles tension and joint compression.
- Muscle imbalance will lead to compensatory changes. These changes will ultimately lead to structural imbalance and dysfunction.
- Lack of activity or disuse of the body’s muscles promotes weakness, which may lead to postural distortion and pain.
- Improper and poor nutrition habits and dehydration leach fluid, vitamins, minerals and energy out of the muscles tendons, ligaments and bones, causing weakness, stress, and pain.
Benefits of Active Isolated Stretch (AIS)
- AIS improves oxygenation and nutrition of myofascial (muscle and connective tissue) structures, promoting repair and growth.
- AIS stimulates circulation and the drainage of lymph, which helps eliminate metabolic waste products from muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia.
- AIS improves flexibility and the health of the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- AIS assists in decreasing unnecessary neuromuscular tension, promoting general body relaxation, and reducing emotional stress.
- AIS breaks down friction and “gluing” among fascial (connective tissue) sheathes.
- AIS separates fibrosis and breaks down tissues that may result from trauma, inflammation and surgery.
- AIS realigns collagen fibers.
- AIS reduces muscle spasm.
- AIS reduces the risk of muscles tears and strains.
- AIS reduces tightness which may contribute to pain, spasm, or cramping.
How Can AIS Improve Athletic Performance?
The efficiency, precision and freedom with which an athlete is able to move is THE essential, fundamental element in the regulation and maintenance of peak, athletic performance.
Efficiency is dependent upon training and conditioning. Precision requires freedom of movement. Restrictions from pain, spasms and tension enhance this movement. AIS allows for more intense training because of the significant decrease in injury. AIS reduces and eliminates most of the restrictions that would otherwise inhibit mobility and strength.
Benefits of an Optimal Flexibility Program
- Athletes reach peak performance sooner and sustain it longer.
- Muscles respond more quickly and powerfully.
- Performance is improved with a reduced chance for injury.
- Athletes recuperate more quickly. Injuries heal faster and better without the loss of power otherwise due to the development of transverse fibrosis.
- Athletes experience a reduction in spasms, splinting and tension as a result of ischemia (lack of blood, water and oxygen in tissues).
- Muscle stiffness is reduced as lactic acid buildup is removed. Reduction in metabolic wastes allows muscles to rejuvenate more quickly after intense workouts or athletic events.
- Athletes increase level of performance and career span.
About Aaron Mattes
Aaron Mattes received his Master of Science degree (Kinesiology and Exercise) from the University of Illinois. He directed a large outpatient clinic at the University of Illinois from 1970-1976 and a clinic at the University of Toledo from 1976-1979. Mattes’ experience encompasses over 250,000 hours in instruction, rehabilitation, athletic training and prevention programs.
Aaron Mattes is a registered Kinesiotherapist and Licensed Massage Therapist. He is also an active member of the following organizations: American Kinesiotherapy Association, National Rehabilitation Administration, Florida State massage therapy Association, and the American Massage Therapy Association.
Active isolated Stretching has been developed through thousands of hours of teaching, research, and clinical application. AIS is taught in Massage, Physical therapy, Chiropractic and Sports Medicine curriculums internationally as a modality for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Aaron currently travels the world teaching health professionals AIS for the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries.
For more information, please visit his web site at www.stretchingusa.com