Passive stretching is when you stretch your muscles from a place of complete rest. It is a form of exercise that some people practice when they want to cool down after a stressful workout. For passive stretching to be done correctly, you usually need a partner to assist you. We will be informing you about the various modalities of passive stretching, and its advantages over other forms of exercises.
What Exactly Is Passive Stretching?
Passive stretching involves making use of an external force to stretch your muscles. What is interesting about it is that your muscles remain entirely inactive while the external force does all the work.
What Are The External Forces Usually Utilized In Passive Stretching?
The following are the common external forces that you have to make use of if you practice this exercise:
- Mechanical Devices: such as a joint active system can be applied to a joint to enable it to move
- A Partner: If you decide to utilize a partner in passive stretching, what the partner will do is to stretch your limbs for you. The only disadvantage of using a partner is that your partner might overstretch your legs and this could result in an injury
- A Healthcare Provider: If you do passive stretching in a rehabilitation center, a physical therapist can help. The professional will passively stretch your limbs, especially if you’re a recovering from an injury or too weak to perform stretch exercises by yourself. The advantage to using a physical therapist over a partner is that he is well-trained and you do not run the risk of overstretching your limbs and having a torn ligament.
- Gravity Assisted: In this type of stretch, gravity is the external force.
What Is The Difference Between Active And Passive Stretching?
Active Stretching: There is no external force. You are the one moving your muscle groups to stretch your limbs. Also, you do not need the help of mechanical devices or gravity to stretch your limbs.
Passive Stretching: As we have explained above, passive stretching requires the help of an external force.
Examples of Passive Stretches
The following are some guidelines on how you can execute passive stretches:
- Quadriceps Stretch: While lying prone, get your partner to put on hand under your knee and the other on your butt. They will push down on the butt while lifting that knee off the ground and using their shoulder to keep your ankle close to your butt. Or completely leave one leg off of the table.
- Chest Stretch: Get your partner to stand behind you and hold your wrists and varying heights behind your back to stretch your chest, shoulders, and biceps.
Because of the nature of this exercise, there are numerous modifications that you can make to achieve the same results.
What Are The Benefits?
- Passive stretching is safer when compared to active stretching.
- It can reduce post-workout soreness
- It increases flexibility
- Helps with relaxation
If you need help finding a great healthcare provider to stretch you, 9INE POINT Health is a great place to start. 9INE POINT Health lets you search for healthcare providers based on skill set. You can search for the exact type of providers you like and compare the best local options with the 9INE POINT Number.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.