Passive assisted stretching is a versatile and effective technique for improving flexibility, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. This method involves a partner or therapist gently guiding your body into various stretches, allowing you to experience a deeper stretch than you might achieve on your own. Let us look at some common methods and techniques used in passive assisted stretching.
Static stretching:
Static stretching involves holding a specific stretch position for a period of time. In passive assisted static stretching, your partner or therapist gently guides you into the stretch, and you hold the position while relaxing your muscles. This method helps improve flexibility by elongating muscles gradually.
PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretching:
PNF stretching is an advanced technique that involves a combination of stretching and contracting muscles. In passive assisted PNF stretching, your partner or therapist will guide you into a stretch, and then you will engage the target muscle by contracting it for a few seconds before relaxing. This cycle is repeated, allowing for increased flexibility.
Thai yoga massage:
Thai yoga massage combines passive assisted stretching with acupressure and energy work. It is performed on a mat, and the practitioner uses their hands, feet, elbows, and knees to guide your body into various stretches and apply pressure to specific energy points. This method promotes relaxation and improved flexibility.
Partner yoga:
Partner yoga involves practicing yoga poses with a partner, and it often incorporates passive assisted stretching. Poses like partner forward folds, backbends, and twists allow you and your partner to assist each other in achieving deeper stretches and improved flexibility.
Fascial stretch therapy (FST):
Fascial stretch therapy focuses on stretching and releasing the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and joints. In passive assisted FST, a trained therapist uses specific techniques to gently manipulate and stretch the fascia, promoting increased flexibility and mobility.
Active isolated stretching (AIS):
Active isolated stretching is a method where the individual being stretched actively contracts the opposing muscle group to the one being stretched. In passive assisted AIS, a partner or therapist assists in guiding the stretch while the individual contracts and relaxes the muscles, helping to improve flexibility and range of motion.
