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Stretching is an activity that should be a priority in any avid fitness lover’s agenda; it increases your flexibility and range of motion and can help reduce the risk of injury and muscle strain during weightlifting and running. However, many may not know that there are four distinct types of stretches—with each benefitting the body in different ways. Understanding all four types of stretches can help you recover more quickly from any kind of physical activity.

4 Different Stretches for Different Situations

1. Active Stretching

   Active stretching involves holding a pose to utilize a targeted muscle group. For example, an overhead stretch can target your shoulders, chest, forearms, and lats. Active stretching is commonly performed as a warm-up to prepare the muscles for exercise.

2. Passive Stretching

   This type of stretching is best for balance enhancement and flexibility. For example, stretching your hamstrings by bending over and stabilizing your legs can foster flexibility by staying in that position for a set period of time. Passive stretching is commonly utilized in Yoga.

3. Dynamic Stretching

   Dynamic stretching is achieved on movements with momentum, rather than a static stretch. An example of dynamic stretching would be moving your arm in a full rotation to stretch your shoulder repeatedly. Each pass is a stretch to activate the muscles and increase flexibility.

4. PNF Stretching

   PNF (short for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching is an assisted stretching method, involving laying on a table, with the help of a certified specialist. PNF stretches are very focused, similar to passive stretching, and the physical therapy specialist will hone in specifically on target muscles by holding you in position.

While you can incorporate these stretches into your everyday exercise routine, increased flexibility through stretching can also help you bounce back from an injury.

Stretch and Recover With Our Rehabilitation Team

If you have sustained a sports- or fitness-related injury, contact the professionals at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine. Our Rehabilitation Team includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers that specialize in all four types of stretches as well as orthopaedic rehab—therapy specific to recovery from injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

Our specialists at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine are trained in the treatment of fractures, acute sports injuries, arthritis, sprains, strains, back and neck pain, amputations, and a full spectrum of other orthopaedic related conditions to help you regain mobility and get back to your daily routines free of pain.

If you’ve experienced any type of orthopaedic injury, our team is here to help you recover. Please request an appointment online or give us a call at 904-825-0540 today.