Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1102144
68 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a y / j u n e 2 0 1 9 upper extremity is passive, the stretch is described as passive (Images 1A and 1B). In contrast, active stretching is performed by the client actively engaging the musculature of the joint being stretched (Image 2). A stretch may also be both active and passive. For example, the client might actively move into the stretch, but then the client relaxes and the stretch is furthered by an increased stretch force when the client is passive. This passive stretch that augments the active stretch can be performed either by the client or by the therapist (Images 3A–3C). Therapist-Assisted Versus Client Self-Care These terms are fairly self-explanatory. If the stretch is performed by a therapist on the client, it is described as a therapist- assisted stretch (see Images 1A and 3C). If the client performs the stretch themselves, then it is a client self-care stretch (Images 1B, 2, 3A, and 3B). Pin and Stretch Pin-and-stretch protocol is performed when the therapist places a pin (stabilization point) somewhere along the target tissue, so that the force of the stretch is focused to a region of that tissue. For example, if a regular stretch without a pin is performed for the right upper trapezius muscle by moving the head/neck attachment away A stretch may also be both active and passive. For example, the client might actively move into the stretch, but then the client relaxes and the stretch is furthered by an increased stretch force when the client is passive. Passive stretching. 1A: The therapist performs the passive stretch on the client. 1B: The client performs the passive stretch herself. Active and passive stretching combined. 3A: The client performs an active stretch. 3B: The client augments the active stretch with a passive stretch. 3C: A therapist augments the client's active stretch with a passive stretch. Active stretching. A client performs an active stretch on herself. 1A 1B 2 Photography by Yanik Chauvin. Artwork by Giovanni Rimasti. 3A 3B 3C