Facilitated Stretching - 3rd Edition

By Robert E. McAtee and Jeff Charland

Book Overview

The third edition of Facilitated Stretching 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. 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 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0736062483
• ISBN13: 9780736062480
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

An Exerciser's Gold Mine

As a runner and horseback rider, I have always subscribed to the theory that stretching is critical for performance. However, finding an effective stretching system has been a long and arduous search. Some books are difficult for the lay person to understand. Some books do not have a fundamental theory underpinning their exercises. And some books promote stretches that are actually harmful. I have found Facilitated Stretching to be the best of the bunch. The illustrations are clear, well-organized and large enough to follow. The text is written clearly and concisely: I can figure out what to do the first time I read it. The cd is excellent: slow, well-narrated and easy to follow. Best of all, the results are immediate. My partially frozen shoulders are starting to move in response to a combination of massage therapy and facilitated stretching (as advocated in the book). My hamstrings have finally let go so now I know what it feels like to walk as normal people do! In short, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It has met all my stringent requirements. This new edition is even better than the second edition which I studied before buying this book.

Total Upgrade!

This 3rd edition is a wonderful upgrade from the 2nd. The DVD does an exceptional job of visualizing spiral diagonal patterns and demonstrating the facilitated stretching technique. The book is upgraded as well as the information on specific body locations is easlier to find and readily accessable for use in my bodywork. I use both frequently.

Wonderful little book...

As a Personal Trainer, I was looking for a book that was practical with stretches that I could teach my clients that were beyond the normal static stretches. After some weeks with a flexibility program designed with stretches from this book, there is a noticible difference in positive range of motion. It is well written and easy to follow. For my purposes, I found it to be an excellent book.

A Must Have!

As a massage therapist I often work with muscle injuries. This book is a must have for both therapeutic technique and for client education. I highly reccommend it.

Excellent resource for anyone interested in stretching

This book gives sufficient physiological background to grasp the very detailed description of the process. The use of photos and written descriptions makes it easy to learn the stretches. Included are both operator assisted and self stretches. Most individual muscles are taught. ROM assessments are also included.