I was always told to hold my stretches for 10, 30, or even 60 seconds. Why do you advocate only holding 1.5-2 seconds?

Repetitions of 1.5-2 second stretches allow for a stretch that is much more gentle on your body than a longer held one. The mechanism of long static stretching can increase lactic acid buildup in the muscle, decrease blood flow and increase the potential for microtearing of your tissue and other injuries. The 1.5-2 second hold allows you to work with the natural predispositions of your body rather than against it.

Three or four hours seems like a long time. Why are AIS sessions so long?

Working for three or four hours allows the time to be thorough and exacting in the assessment, stretching, strengthening, and learning aspects of a session. The body is best addressed in a certain order. Certain tissues being stretched allow for easier stretching of other areas. Having time ensures that we can get to all the tissue we need to without forcing the body in a way that could be detrimental. Shorter sessions would necessitate the repeated stretching of the same tissue without ever getting to all the areas that need attention. Longer sessions also allow the possibility for more exact learning of activities for home.

Is this chiropractic or physical therapy?

No. I am a massage therapist and personal trainer, and act only in these capacities. I do not engage in bony manipulation, diagnosis, or any other activity outside my scope of practice. I use proper stretching and strengthening techniques for the soft tissue of the body to work toward balance in length and strength. Many chiropractors and physical therapists choose to use AIS in their treatments, which I think is a wonderful thing. AIS combined with capable chiropractic care is a good union.

Do you file or accept insurance?

No. Progressive Body Therapy can keep prices reasonable by not accepting insurance. The same stretching and strength work you can get for $50/hr. was as expensive as $280/hr. at one place of employment that mainly served insurance, personal injury and worker's comp. patients. While those who serve these patients provide a valuable service, I wish to serve without the additional paperwork and hoops of insurance. Some offices have to hire full time workers just to take care of all of their insurance concerns. Also, many insurers do not choose to provide coverage for services by massage therapists and personal trainers.

Can stretching really help my situation?

In many cases, proper stretching combined with appropriate strengthening exercises can restore balance to the body. Nothing is 100% successful, but many people experience great results using the Mattes Method of Active Isolated Stretching. Aaron Mattes' website has a Frequently Asked Questions page that addresses many specific conditions and situations that you may want to know about. Use the link from the previous sentence to read his answers.