User:Lutherb~enwiki/Resistance stretching

Resistance stretching is a form of stretching in which a muscle simultaneously contracts and elongates through a movement from a shortened position into a lengthened position. The technique was developed by Bob Cooley roughly 30 years ago following a serious automobile accident involving a drunk driver. In his journey of rehabilitation and healing, Cooley transformed this unfortunate mishap into a series of additional discoveries related to his newfound awareness of the resistance stretching concept, soon learning that stretching specific muscles resulted in concomitant relationships with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Genetic Personality Types. What began as a simple concept, gradually grew into a multi-disciplined database originally known as The Meridian Flexibility System. The use of this title has slowly waned throughout the years and is now mostly referred to as "Resistance Flexibility," "Resistance Stretching," or "Resistance Flexibility and Strength Training (RFST)."

Principles of resistance flexibility and strength training
To resistance stretch a muscle:
 * 1. Place the muscle in a position where it is as short as possible.
 * 2. Elongate and contract the muscle simultaneously until the muscle is as long as possible while still contracting.
 * 3. Repeat.

To resistance strength train a muscle:
 * 1. Place the muscle in a position where it is as long as possible.
 * 2. Shorten and contract the muscle simultaneously until the muscle is as short as possible.
 * 3. Repeat

What occurs throughout the movement?
 * Unlike traditional stretching methods, the stretching effect occurs during the entire movement.
 * By continuously contracting a muscle through a given range, the muscle is protected from being brought into a range beyond its capability. Without resistance, stretching a muscle will result in substitution, over-stretching, and potential injury - not to mention a misunderstanding of true range of motion.


 * Repetitions are necessary for gains in flexibility

Methods of resistance stretching
Cooley has discovered both self and assisted stretches that can be catered to a wide variety of individuals, including those severely injured, the general public, and elite athletes/performers.

Resistance self-stretches are performed by the individual using their own resistance against his/her own body, the ground, a wall, or other props.

Assisted stretches are performed by at least one other stretcher. While being assisted, the individual contracts the targeted muscle while the assister(s) finds the greatest path of resistance and move the limb in the opposite direction, thus removing any fascia or scar tissue limiting flexibility. Finding the greatest path of resistance is called the "force vector approach" and is the key part of flexibility gains with RFST. Basic assisted stretches can be performed by novices but more advanced stretching is advised to be performed under the supervision of (or by) a qualified practitioner for best results.