Often we will try to stretch ourselves but will limit the extent of the stretch due to shooting pains or lack of proper form. This is called the Stretch Reflex, which is our body's automatic defense system against over-stretching. Any movement that goes too fast or too far, or is held for too long, will cause your body to resist due to the stretch reflex. Once the reflex is activated, your body has effectively said “no more” and resists the stretch. Any further attempt at stretching becomes counter-productive and may even cause long term damage. Assisted table stretching can control and alter the timing of and even overcome the stretch reflex.

When the connective tissue or fascia become stressed and tight it can result with muscle spasms and myofascial adhesions, known as "Knots". These knots will limit your performance and alter your neuromuscular control (your ability to function or perform a task efficiently). The loss in neuromuscular control will need other surrounding muscles to compensate for the work being done, which creates a muscle imbalance in the associated area or joint.

What is Soft Tissue Release (STR)?

Soft Tissue Release includes the muscle fibers, their tendons and the deep and superficial fascia surrounding these tissues. STR targets muscles that are difficult to stretch actively on your own and specific areas of tension within a muscle. It also helps to isolate specific muscles within a muscle group that would normally stretch all together like the quadriceps. The goal is to enhance daily body functionality and optimize performance during exercise or events.

Anyone can benefit from STR. It is particularly useful for anyone who takes part in sports or exercise, recovering from a musculoskeletal injury, rehabilitation, anyone who maintains an upright posture or a seated position for long periods of time, areas with increased muscle tension, and for those who need stretching but cannot take a joint through full range of motion.

STR can be performed before, during, after treatments or exercise, but can be used as a treatment in itself. It can be valuable in helping to overcome excessive tightness or spasming in localized areas of tissue that need immediate attention before sporting events. STR can be used frequently within a single week, the more STR treatments done to the muscles, the more noticeably pliable they become.

Soft Tissue Release can be used anywhere because it can be performed through clothing. Stretch Vibes has performed stretches in offices for business and computer engineer professionals, corporate wellness programs, health and wellness facilities, beauty spas, clinics, fitness facilities, sporting environments like tennis courts, golf ranges, track and field, swim centers, football, baseball, and soccer fields.