ACTIVE ISOLATED STRETCHING

The Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) method of muscle lengthening and fascial release is a type of Athletic Stretching Technique that provides effective, dynamic, facilitated stretching of major muscle groups, but more importantly, AIS provides functional and physiological restoration of superficial and deep fascial planes.

Over the past few decades many experts have advocated that stretching should last up to 60 seconds. For years, this prolonged static stretching technique was the gold standard. However, prolonged static stretching actually decreases the blood flow within the tissue creating localized ischemia and lactic acid buildup. This can potentially cause irritation or injury of local muscular, tendinous, lymphatic, as well as neural tissues, similar to the effects and consequences of trauma and overuse syndromes.

Aaron Mattes AIS Technique is an effective treatment for deep and superficial fascial release, restoring proper fascial planes for optimal physiologic function. Performing an Active Isolated Stretch of no longer than 2.0 seconds allows the target muscles to optimally lengthen without triggering the protective stretch reflex and subsequent reciprocal antagonistic muscle contraction as the isolated muscle achieves a state of relaxation. These stretches provide maximum benefit and can be accomplished without opposing tension or resulting trauma.

Aaron Mattes Method myofascial release technique, which incorporates AIS, uses active movement and reciprocal inhibition to achieve optimal flexibility. Using a 2.0 second stretch has proven to be the key in avoiding reflexive contraction of the antagonistic muscle. Without activating muscle group contraction, restoration of full range of motion and flexibility can be successfully achieved.

THE CLINIC

Aaron Matters Therapy is a world-class method of therapy, offering rehabilitation and sports enhancement therapy. Hans de Wit (B-tech SET, MST), is a renowned sport scientist and exercise physiologist who has optimized the performance skills of several notable athletic Personalities.

South African stretching Therapists use the Mattes Method of Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) that is successful in correcting many types of muscular and neurological diseases and injuries, including, but not limited to, whiplash, stroke, spinal cord, arthritis, and chronic neck or back pain.

The facility's goal is to provide each patient with the highest quality clinical care to optimize health, minimize pain, and restore wellness. All treatment plans are developed in cooperation with you and your referring health care provider.

Referrals to our clinic are made by physicians, insurance company representatives or patients themselves. Persons who are referred by a physician should bring a prescription from the physician. Persons under the age of 18 should be accompanied on the initial visit by a parent or guardian.

On your first visit, you will be asked to complete a Patient Registration Form. Information requested will include diagnosis, date of injury (if applicable) and other pertinent medical information. Financial responsibility for services is ultimately yours. We accept cash, check, and electronic transfers.

Can anything be done for Scoliosis?

Scoliosis has frequently been treated successfully with specific AIS exercises to stretch muscles of the trunk, neck, hips and pelvis. Stretching alone will not change the curvature and stabilize the structure. Specific isolated strength exercises for the back, hip, neck and abdominal regions are an important part of the treatment plan. The use of seat belts for stabilization has been a great assistance.

If I sprained my ankle or have foot/arch problems what do I do?

Ice frequently, use a pressure wrap and begin gentle AIS stretching and mild, specific strengthening exercises for each fundamental movement of the ankle (dorsal flexion, plantar flexion), sub-talar joints (inversion, eversion) and specific foot exercises. As range increases and strength improves, the Mattes Ankle Exerciser is a versatile piece of equipment displayed and described in this web site to restore strength and help prevent ankle sprains, shin splints, foot problems, etc. Use of the Mattes Ankle Exerciser and other specific foot exercises, using a towel, stocking and resistive weights are employed successfully for foot problems and arch development.

How do I stretch my calves?

Traditionally the calves are stretched from the standing position by leaning against a supportive wall, fence, etc. The main problem is the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle, which is stabilizing the knee and ankle joints. When leaning forward the calf muscle is performing a lengthening contraction to stabilize both joints and is not a relaxed muscle.

The best stretching position for a relaxed calf is performed in a sitting position. Place a rope or strap around the ball of the foot. Keep the knee straight. Lift the foot and ankle backwards and assist with a rope. For greater specificity turn foot inward 20 degrees and lift the ankle back to stretch outer belly of calf. Next turn the foot outward 20 degrees and pull ankle back to stretch inner belly of calf. As the calf becomes more flexible, lean the upper body forward 15-20 degrees to provide greater stretch potential.

Hamstrings?

The hamstrings are best stretched when incorporating the quadriceps. Use of a rope or strap is helpful. The distal end (insertion) of the hamstrings should be stretched before the proximal (origin) end. The "Bent Knee Hamstring Stretch" is used to stretch the distal attachment. To become more specific the lower leg is first rotated inward to stretch the distal inner hamstrings. Rotate the lower leg outward for the distal outer hamstrings. Incorporate the "Straight Leg Hamstring Stretch" for the muscle belly and proximal attachments. The Knee must remain extended. Use rope or strap to assist. After initial straight leg stretch, perform movement with full leg rotated inward for oblique fibers of inner hamstrings. Rotate leg outward and move leg toward opposite side shoulder to isolate oblique fibers of biceps femoris (outer hamstring).

Importance of Stretching for Runners and Walkers

 Running and walking are very strenuous activities on the body. The exercise affects almost every aspect of the muscular skeletal system from the feet to the neck. Using Active Isolated Stretching you will actually warm the muscles, joints and fascia of the body preparing it for running or walking. Proper preparation for your activity will not only help to decrease the chance for injury, but also to slow the process of fatigue. The more flexible the body is the more efficient it can be. If the body is properly warmed up, the body's cardiovascular system is able to better oxygenate the muscles decreasing the rate fatigue or lactic acid will set in. Stretching will also help to remove or decrease fatigue after running or walking by pumping the lactic acid from the muscles thus removing the toxic material from the muscles that cause them to be sore.