STRETCHING

Today we are going to cover 2 main topics:

1.  Why is stretching important

   
   

2. The 5 most common forms of stretching

Stretching helps to:

• Maintain and/or increase range of motion of the muscles and joints of the body.

• Prevent injury.

• Reduce muscle tension/soreness.

• Increase overall performance both in sport and day to day life.

• Increase circulation.

• Reduce overall stress.

Static Stretching- Hamstrings and Gastrocs

Stretching plays an important role in physiotherapy, whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with stiffness, or simply trying to move more comfortably. At our Lacombe physical therapy clinic, stretching is often used to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and help you return to everyday activities with confidence.

Here are five common types of stretching your physio may use or recommend.

1. Static Stretching

Static stretching is what most people think of when they hear the word “stretching.” It involves gently holding a stretch for 15–60 seconds. In physical therapy, static stretching is often used to ease tight muscles and improve flexibility, especially after exercise or during recovery.

2. Dynamic Stretching

Dynamic stretching uses slow, controlled movements to take your joints and muscles through their full range of motion. This type of stretching is commonly used in physiotherapy as a warm-up to help prepare your body for activity and reduce the risk of injury.

3. Passive Stretching

With passive stretching, an outside force helps you stretch—this could be your physiotherapist, a strap, or even gravity. In our Lacombe based physiotherapy clinic, passive stretching is often used when pain, weakness, or stiffness makes it difficult to stretch on your own.

4. Active Stretching

Active stretching uses your own muscles to create the stretch, without help from another person or equipment. This type of stretching is frequently included in physio programs to improve muscle control, balance, and overall movement quality.

5. PNF Stretching

PNF stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) combines gentle stretching with brief muscle contractions. It’s commonly guided by a trained physical therapist and can be very effective for improving flexibility and strength during rehabilitation.

Lacombe physiotherapist, Mesha Hauck, completes PNF stretching for upper traps.

How Stretching Fits Into Physiotherapy

Not all stretching is right for everyone. A personalized stretching plan created by our licensed physical therapist in Lacombe ensures the exercises you’re doing are safe, effective, and suited to your goals. Whether you’re managing pain, healing from an injury, or looking to move better, physiotherapy can help you stretch smarter—not harder.

Intention Physiotherapy and Movement

Lacombe, AB