I have recently returned from Charlotte where I had the privilege to learn from Aaron Mattes the creator of Active Isolated Stretching aka AIS. AIS, is an effective way to stretch major muscles groups helping to restore proper function of the muscle as well as the fascia. The key behind AIS is that by holding the stretch for no longer than 2.0 seconds your bodies natural stretch reflex will not kick in, allowing full range of motion to be met.
This technique has been used on everyone from professional athletes to those living with autoimmune diseases such as MS and Parkinson's. It has also been proven effective in those with every day aches and pains such as plantar fascitis, migraines, sciatica, and frozen shoulder.
AIS will first be done with the assistance of a trained professional and will end with the client doing the stretches on their own to maintain proper range of motion. Strengthening exercises are also recommended to help support alignment and posture.
As everyone has read with my last blog, muscle strengthening and flexibility are just as big a part of your health as cardiovascular exercise. We use our muscles every day, keeping them healthy is only going to benefit you as you age.
