Did you know that a muscle can stretch up to one-and-a-half times its original length? And, stretching can relieve physical, mental and emotional stress? Anything that tenses our body and mind can find relief from a good stretch. Stretching just makes you feel good.
Stretching our bodies is an important part of staying healthy. But the importance can be easily forgotten, especially when the results are often not as visible as weight lifting or as spectacular as crossing a finish line. But the benefits of a good stretch can do as much to benefit your overall health and well-being as regular exercise and a healthful diet.
A daily routine that includes stretching can lead to better posture, fewer aches and pains, greater confidence, less stress, increased flexibility and a cheerier outlook on life. A good stretching releases muscle tension, increases blood flow and circulation and sends oxygen throughout the body.
When thinking about stretching, most folks think about the neck, back or hamstrings, but there are many body parts that benefit from a good stretch besides the obvious tight muscles.
One of the newest methods of stretching is to work with a therapist for a total body stretch to ensure all areas get a good stretch. This form of stretch therapy can equal and even surpass the feelings of deep relaxation and the rejuvenation that one feels after a deep tissue massage.
Stretch therapy is a series of customized stretches that lengthen and move muscles and joints. Specially trained massage therapists work with people of all fitness levels during a total body stretching session.
One of the most popular and proven techniques is the Streto Method, which is offered at Massage Envy locations. This highly effective, therapist-led technique is based on research and best practices that show how stretch techniques that begin at the scalp and neck and move downward toward the feet offer numerous benefits to the mind and the body.
The Streto Method combines the latest stretch research with relaxation techniques inspired by yoga and meditation. Deep, synchronized breathing combined with active stretching relaxes and invigorates the mind and body. Each stretch builds on the others to provide a total body experience and each session is customized to meet individual needs.
Based on the concept “where your mind goes, the body will follow,” the Streto Method begins each total body stretch session at the head. Since muscle function is controlled through the nervous system and since much of our stress and tension is a result of our thoughts, it only makes sense to start with the control center of the body – the head and mind. Starting with the head and neck, as these primary nerves and muscles relax and thoughts are calmed, the rest of the body is more likely to respond to the therapy. Relax the mind and the body will follow.
How can assisted stretching with a specially trained massage therapist enhance your health, performance and mood? Here are just a few ways:
Flexibility means greater mobility and less stress on muscles during workouts and daily activities: reaching high, touching your toes or sitting with your legs crossed.
Range of motion improves in the joints as the body’s natural lubricants are released: reaching for the top shelf or doing a favorite dance with freer movements and restrictions.
Posture shapes up as flexibility improves, promoting muscular balance: standing taller, sitting straighter, walking with pride.
Blood flow is enhanced when muscles relax and the body straightens. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients getting to the muscles, joints, connective tissue and smaller blood vessels, resulting in more energy and less pain.
Smooth movements come with greater flexibility and increased blood flow. This means better muscle coordination, free joints and support to move and groove.
Performance and productivity are boosted, whether it is lifting groceries, weekend warrior activities, sitting at a desk all day or training for the Olympics.
Keep the body and mind young through active stretches that result in a more relaxed and stronger mental, physical and emotional well-being. Fewer limitations means doing activities that keep us young and vibrant.
Be at the top of your game with improved flexibility and mobility, which means greater strength, speed, power, agility and endurance so you can do more of what you love – from gardening to swimming to playing ball to having a slumber party with the grandkids.
Decrease the risk of injuries and increase recovery times by promoting blood flow, keeping the joints moving and strengthening surrounding muscles and tissues.
The Total Body Stretch using the Streto Method at Massage Envy locations can be added into a standard massage session or can be a stand-alone treatment. Both the 30- and 60-minute sessions offer immediate benefits, including relaxation and energy. QCBN
By Mark Love
Mark Love is the Franchisee of Massage Envy Spa Flagstaff, located at 1235 S. Plaza Way in the University Plaza Shopping Center next to Safeway. For more information on the benefits of massage and to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist, visit MassageEnvy.com or call 928-526-ENVY (3689) and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/MEFlag.