Top questions people ask
Active Isolated Stretching follows 2 important principles: reciprocal inhibition and innervation.
By contracting the opposing muscle to the target muscle, the target muscle relaxes, making it easier to stretch. Active Isolated stretches are only held past the end range, or barrier, for no longer than 2 seconds to prevent the stretch reflex from activating.
The stretch reflex helps prevent tissues from being overstretched but creates resistance when triggered.
The more you stimulate and activate the contracting muscle, the more uninhibited and relaxed the tissues of the stretched muscle will be. Most static stretches held for longer than 5 seconds reduce blood supply to the target muscles, causing them to fatigue due to a lack of oxygen.
AIS allows full relaxation of the stretched muscle, which can be safely lengthened.
All therapists at Stretch Asia are trained manual therapists with extensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. They, therefore, understand that when they meet a tight or resisting joint, they can quickly assess the effects it will have on their biomechanics.
Our therapists are stretching facilitators. Since this is an active form of stretching, they guide you through complex protocols designed to penetrate the layers of connective tissue, stretching from superficial tissues to the deepest layers.
Being stretched by a qualified therapist enables you to pass your natural barrier and, with practice, achieve full range of motion, thereby attaining full mobility.
Whatever progress you make, we encourage you to continue stretching at home using the methods and tools we provide.
Active Isolated Stretching is a very safe therapeutic stretching method that you can practice on your own, on the plane, at home, or at the office. You may not be able to stretch as effectively as when a therapist stretches you, but you can maintain some flexibility if you do it regularly.
However, to maintain your newly regained mobility, some discipline is required. We understand that your busy life sometimes makes it difficult for you to do your stretching exercises on your own. So we are here to help you do them and do them correctly. So you reap the benefits!Active Isolated Stretching complements a Yoga and Pilates practice beautifully, in many ways. Many of our clients practice multiple fitness disciplines, as they all aim to improve their mobility and overall well-being.
Traditionally, Yoga focuses on connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit, and Pilates is used to focus on strengthening and stabilising the abdominal and pelvic core.
At Stretch Asia, we identify resistance right down to the deepest fascia planes at the joints, where flexibility is determined. We lower this resistance so you can practice Yoga and Pilates freely with minimal risk of injury. Active Isolated Stretching will help you progress further in your yoga practice and allow you to perform certain postures with a lower risk of injury. If your muscles are tight, you will feel and see your physical limitations in your yoga practice.
As you grow older, particularly after the age of 40, your body loses flexibility and becomes more prone to injury. Combine Yoga and regular AIS and enjoy a free, flexible, and fully mobile body.
Ideally, you should stretch for 5-10 minutes every day.
From the moment we get up in the morning until we go to bed, we are in a contracted state. In other words, we are shortening and tightening our frames. Then you have gravity's weight to contend with. This pushes down on you constantly at 1kg per square cm!
Our 50+ year-old clients come to see us on average once or twice a week to improve their flexibility and maintain their mobility. Our golfing clients come every week as they found that A.I.S. improves their game. It really depends on your age, stress level, and lifestyle. Once you know how to stretch, we encourage you to stretch every day if you can. If you were a professional athlete, you would be stretching daily.
Your first session is 90 minutes long, as it includes a thorough postural assessment and a mobility test, followed by an hour of treatment. After that, you will only need hourly sessions if you attend regularly or practice stretching on your own. To make it more cost-effective, we offer several membership packages that allow you to save between 20% and 30% off the original price.
We reward your loyalty, so the longer and more frequently you use our services, the more affordable they become for you. All our therapists are highly trained and very experienced, and most have a background in both therapy and fitness. However, we believe we can deliver an excellent service in a great environment without breaking the bank. Just come and try, and we will explain our membership packages after your first session.