Facilitated Stretching

By Robert E. McAtee and Jeff Charland

Book Overview

Explore complex PNF techniques with video demonstrations.

For more than 30 years, Facilitated Stretching has been the most-trusted resource for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, an effective and easy-to-use method that involves stretching the muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, and then stretching it again to increase range of motion.

The fifth edition includes updated daily flexibility sequences, new partner stretching routines, and new facilitated stretches and variations with photos and video. Positioning Tip sidebars offer guidance on making stretches comfortable for clients. The full-color interior is packed with hundreds of photos and illustrations to make visualizing stretches easy. Online videos demonstrate more than 100 of these stretches to reinforce proper technique for each stretch; there are also videos showing nine sample stretching routines.

As in previous editions, specific routines are included for cycling, golf, running, swimming, ice hockey, and pickleball. The text also includes general stretches for everyday use, plus stretches for those with "rusty hinges." These ready-made stretching routines make it easy to incorporate facilitated stretching into a workout regimen and take the guesswork out of organizing a stretching routine to match the needs of a specific sport.

Facilitated Stretching, Fifth Edition, provides guidance in the latest PNF stretching techniques to help assess current muscle function, improve range of motion, increase strength, address overuse injuries, and enhance performance.

Earn continuing education credits/units A continuing education course that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

Note: A code for accessing online videos is included with all print books.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1718243634
• ISBN13: 9781718243637
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.6" x 10.9"

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.