Stretch therapy techniques increase flexibility in both the short and long term. Yet, overall, studies suggest that the methods found in stretch therapy improve muscle and connective tissue flexibility when properly and consistently applied ( 4). The research on various stretching techniques is ongoing and occasionally conflicting or inconclusive. Techniques such as massage and stretching can increase the extensibility of both the tendons and fascia in the long term. Still, sometimes excessive tightness in the tendons and the fascia connective tissue surrounding your muscles can restrict the normal range of motion. In most cases, a stiff tendon is a good thing. The tendons connect to another tissue called fascia, which surrounds the outside of your muscles, as well as sections within your muscles. Tendons are the tissues that connect your bone to your muscles. Over time, stretch therapy protocols cause more permanent elongation of your muscles through changes to the resting length of the tissue itself. The stimulation of these receptors leads to the relaxation of your muscle fibers in the short term. Muscles increase their flexibility in response to techniques like stretching and foam rolling, largely due to the stimulation of receptors that tell your muscles to relax or contract. Overall, neural signals to the muscle tissue play a significant role in your muscles’ ability to completely lengthen, or release. Muscle flexibility is affected by several factors. However, the flexibility of each can be improved with various stretch therapy techniques. These tissues include muscle, tendon, and fascia tissues.Įach of these tissues has different properties. Increasing the flexibility of the tissues around a joint will increase its range of motion. Improved range of motion at joints generally facilitates better movement overall. While many factors affect movement patterns, range of motion is a major one. Most stretching protocols are primarily aimed at increasing the range of motion of a joint, and the overall goal is to improve movement patterns involving that joint.
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