192 pages + DVD

Sample the book here

 Facilitated Stretching by Robert McAtee, Jeff Charland

Facilitated Stretching, Third Edition, provides a useful overview of PNF stretching—a safe and easy-to-use method that involves stretching the muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, then stretching it again to a new range of motion. These steps apply whether you are isolating one muscle at a time or using the spiral-diagonal patterns of PNF to stretch groups of muscles simultaneously. The third edition contains all the great features of the previous edition, plus the following: A companion DVD that demonstrates live stretching techniques from the book for a clearer understanding New stretching routines for a variety of popular activities including running, golf, swimming, cycling, and throwing and racket sports General stretches and stretches for older participants Stretching activities with added strength work using stability balls and elastic bands Stretching and strengthening tips for dealing with—and even preventing—common soft-tissue injuries

The third edition of is now revised, reorganized, and packaged with a DVD—surpassing its popular predecessor as the best source for the latest PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching techniques.

 
 

$43

  The new edition has also been reorganized using a regional approach to presenting muscle group functions around specific joints. You will learn how to stretch each major muscle in the body, both individually and in groups. In addition, you will discover how to appropriately use group pattern stretches to improve flexibility and coordination and individual muscle stretches to relax tight muscles and break up adhesions within or between muscles. Instruction is provided for using the techniques on your own or with a partner.

More than 350 photographs showing the progression of stretches enrich the book while the new 60-minute DVD demonstrates the stretches and strengthening exercises in even more detail. Icons are featured throughout the text, indicating which exercises are demonstrated on the DVD. A unique binding also allows you to lay the book flat while performing the exercises without losing your place. The DVD serves as a great visual tool for improving your technique and getting the most out of your routines.

An ideal reference for fitness professionals, Facilitated Stretching, Third Edition, provides techniques to help athletes, patients, and clients improve flexibility, strength, and coordination while also treating and preventing injuries. Students in massage therapy, athletic training, and other professional training programs will discover how to use facilitated stretching in conjunction with massage and other manual therapy techniques. A test package is also available for instructors and is conveniently offered through a product-specific Web site: www.HumanKinetics.com/FacilitatedStretching.

With Facilitated Stretching, Third Edition, you have a cutting-edge tool packed with the latest PNF stretching techniques to help you assess current muscle function, improve range of motion, increase strength, reduce overuse injuries, and enhance performance.

 
  Contents

Preface Acknowledgments

Part I. The Prerequisites Chapter 1. Understanding the Basics of Stretching Types of Muscle Contractions Reflexes Relevant to Stretching Types of Stretching Guidelines for Stretching

Chapter 2. Focusing on Facilitated Stretching Overview of PNF From PNF Stretching to Facilitated Stretching Guidelines for Performing Facilitated Stretches Detailed Sequence for Facilitated Stretching Safety Considerations for Facilitated Stretching Effect of Fatigue on Stretcher and Partner

Chapter 3. Using the Spiral-Diagonal Patterns of PNF Practicing the Patterns as Free Movement Stretching With the Patterns Strengthening With the Patterns

Part II. The Stretches Chapter 4. Stretches for the Lower Extremity Hip Extensors: Hamstrings and Gluteus Maximus Hip Rotators: Piriformis Hip Abductors Hip Adductors Hip Flexors: Quadriceps Group Hip Flexors: Psoas and Iliacus Plantar Flexors: Gastrocnemius and Soleus Toe Flexors: Flexor Hallucis Longus, Flexor Digitorum Longus Dorsiflexors: Anterior Tibialis Toe Extensors: Extensor Hallucis Longus, Extensor Digitorum Longus Evertors--Peroneal (Fibularis) Group; Invertors--Tibialis Anterior and Posterior Spiral-Diagonal Patterns for the Lower Extremity

Chapter 5. Stretches for the Upper Extremity Shoulder Stabilizers Pectoralis Major, Biceps, Triceps Muscles of the Wrist and Hand Spiral-Diagonal Patterns for the Upper Extremity

Chapter 6. Stretches for the Neck and Torso Muscles of the Neck Muscles of the Torso

Part III. Beyond the Basics Chapter 7. Combining Techniques to Release Fibrotic Tissue Modifying Fibrotic Tissue to Reduce Pain and Restore Range of Motion Blending Soft Tissue Work and Facilitated Stretching Releasing Fibrotic Tissue: Six Examples

Chapter 8. Stretching Routines for Specific Activities Running Throwing and Racket Sports Cycling Golf Swimming Everyday Sequence Rusty Hinges

Chapter 9. Routines for Common Soft Tissue Injuries Caring for Acute and Chronic Injuries Focusing on Upper Body Conditions Focusing on Lower Body Conditions

Glossary References Index About the Authors

 

 

 

About the Author:

Robert McAtee, BA, LMT, CSCS, C-PT has been a sport massage therapist since 1981, specializing in sport and orthopedic massage therapy. Since 1988 he has maintained an active, international sport massage practice in Colorado Springs, CO.

McAtee has been using facilitated stretching techniques with clients and athletes since 1986. He teaches facilitated stretching and sport massage seminars throughout the United States and internationally to massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, chiropractors, Olympic-caliber athletes and coaches, and amateur athletes.

He has been a keynote speaker and featured presenter at numerous national and international conventions. He was one of only 180 massage therapists selected from a field of 800 applicants to be on the medical services team for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
   

Also Recommended