Stretching the quadriceps muscles, which run along the front of your thigh, is important for anyone, regardless of your activity level. Sitting or standing all day long can contribute as much to quadriceps muscle tightness as running or other...
Passive stretching is also known as static stretching, and it involves holding a fixed position for an extended period of time. The three-part hamstring muscles run down the back of the legs and have a tendency to tighten up from extended periods...
The plantar flexors, commonly referred to as the calf muscles, are used extensively to help you walk, run and jump. The primary plantar flexors are the gastrocnemius, the visible calf muscle, and the soleus, which sits underneath the...
The hip flexor muscles bring the hips forward, like when you are sitting down. Too much sitting places the hip flexors in a flexed position, which may shorten them. This can affect the alignment of the pelvis and reduce range of motion in the...
The movements performed during passive range of motion exercises and stretching exercises differ in execution and purpose. Passive range of motion exercises require assistance and are used in therapeutic circumstances. Stretching is a type of...
Passive stretching is an effective form of stretching for tight hip muscles, according to a "Physical Therapy Journal" report. A study was conducted to compare the results of active versus passive stretching for patients with tight hip flexors....
Gymnasts, acrobatic dancers, cheerleaders, swimmers, figure skaters, martial arts and yoga practitioners are among those who perform splits. Hip and knee-joint pain, which often accompanies splits, signals a need for greater flexibility or...
Exercise can be active, meaning a person exercises on her own, or active assisted, in which she does as much as she can on her own but needs some help to complete the exercise. It also can follow into the category of passive exercise, meaning help...
Working through a full range of motion is beneficial for improving or maintaining flexibility, which is one of five fitness components used to assess overall health and fitness levels. Flexibility is measured by the range of motion of a joint. It...
Trigger thumb is a condition that can result in your thumb being bent inwards, toward your palm, or straightened with a snapping movement. According to Orthopod.com, rheumatoid arthritis, partial tendon lacerations, repeated trauma from...
If you work out, you've likely made stretching part of your warming up and cooling down routines. It improves range of motion, flexibility, circulation and the overall success of your workout. Different kinds of training call for different types...
Muscle injuries, including muscle tears, must be properly treated if the muscle is to regain its full range of motion. Treatment and rehab are generally the same whether you are healing a hamstring muscle or a shoulder muscle. Scar tissue develops...
Spasm is an area of tissue tension within the muscle that can create pain and discomfort. Spasms might be from a specific injury or abnormal skeletal structure and muscular imbalance. Exercise promotes general muscular health, improving overall...
Massage and bodywork therapy can be used to provide a wide range of health benefits. Using a combination of techniques, such as massage, joint mobilization, stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation allows for the opportunity to...
Myofascial release targets the connective tissues around the bones and joints, such as the ligaments and tendons. By applying targeted pressure to reach these tissues, your massage therapist will relax and lengthen the tissues, causing a release...
Stretching is important because it prepares the body for exercise, increases your range of motion and prevents muscle imbalances that can lead to serious injury. The American Council on Exercise advises performing a light five minute...
Your joints allow you to move in all planes of motion. The three planes of motion include lateral movements, rotating movements and frontal movements. Frontal movements are defined as forward or backward movements. You need flexibility in your...
The deltoid is a three-headed muscle that consists of the anterior deltoid, lateral deltoid and the posterior deltoid. The anterior deltoid is involved in many chest-related movements. If this muscle becomes tight, it can alter your posture and...
Massage is therapeutic for body and soul. When done effectively, massages can dissolve any tension in your body. Thai massage is an ancient healing art thought to have originated in India before spreading to Thailand. It involves the application...
Trigger finger is a painful medical condition where one finger or thumb is caught in a bent position. The digit may suddenly straighten as if released from a trigger, or it may stay stuck in the bent position. The condition is caused by a...
Conditioned muscles and injured muscles become quite inflexible if you do not incorporate a regular stretching program. Tight muscles are unable to generate maximum force and power because they have a shorter range of motion through which to move....
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the cervical vertebrae in your neck. Spondylosis is a general term that is used to describe age-related deterioration in your vertebral discs and can eventually lead to osteoarthritis,...
Stretching your muscles is vital before any sort of athletic performance to get both mentally and physically prepared for exercise or competition. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a well-designed and planned...
Stretching is a beneficial form of exercise for the body, helping to maintain range of motion and flexibility as well as the strength of the joints, ligaments and tendons in the body. The muscles and supporting tissues of the hips help support...
People with a flexion contracture of their knee joint can experience mobility problems due to a flexed knee. A flexion contracture occurs when the tissues in your knees thicken after a period of immobilization and prevent your knee from bending....
Physicians who specialize in treating spinal cord damage tailor exercise programs to individuals. Stretching is a small part of most rehabilitation programs and the exact exercises and the frequency and length that patients do the exercise for...
Thai massage is a marriage of Ayurvedic medicine from India and Tui Na massage from China. The technique emphasizes pressing, compression and stretching techniques. Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor. If you are uncomfortable with...
The tibial plateau is located on the upper surface of your tibia just below your kneecap. This region of your tibia is prone to fracture in high-impact accidents in sports such as football and skiing, or in car accidents. The tibial plateau is...
Your muscles contract as you exercise. Muscles contract in three ways: concentric, eccentric and isometric. Understand the terminology used to describe muscle contractions and gain a greater understanding of anatomy for your workout. Words...
The calf stretch is great for the lower leg. Learn how to do the calf stretch with a partner in this fitness video.
Apply passive resistance when performing the groin stretch. Learn how to do the groin stretch with a partner in this fitness video.
The quads can be stretch from a side line position. Learn how to do the side line quad stretch with a partner in this fitness video.
Remember to support the back and keep the head aligned when doing the bridge stretch. Learn how to do the bridge stretch with a partner in this fitness video.
The seated chest stretch opens up you pecks. Learn how to do the seated chest stretch with a partner in this fitness video.
