Performance Therapy — Stretching

Trigger points in the quadriceps muscles are commonly the cause of hip, thigh and knee pain The quadriceps is a large group of muscles, the most massive of the leg, located in the anterior (front) of the thigh. They originate from above the hip joint and extend to below the knee. The primary action of the quadriceps is to extend the knee joint, but in conjunction with a number of other muscles in the front of the hip, they are also associated with hip flexion. Rectus femoris is part of the quadriceps femoris, which also includes the vasti group: vastus...

  Stretching is something that most of us should do daily - now could be a good time to start! It's a simple fact that muscles and joints will become stiffer and tighter, simply as part of the ageing process. In most cases, this process is caused by a combination of physical degeneration and inactivity. Although we cannot help getting older, this should not mean that we give up trying to improve our flexibility. In fact, quite the opposite! Age does not have to be a barrier to an active lifestyle, but certain precautions should be taken as we get older. We generally just need to...

The shoulder can be a common site for the development of trigger points, restriction, and a number of other ailments ranging from the irritating to the excruciating.  Simple stretching routines may help prevent the development of active trigger points, accelerate the healing process, and provide pain relief. We generally try to recommend stretches that are easy to perform just about anywhere. Here are some of our favourite stretches for the shoulder. Always start slowly, work within your limits, use common sense, and don't forget to ask your therapist about trigger points!   1. Pectoral stretch Kneel on the floor in front of a...

As with most activities, there are rules and guidelines to ensure safety. Stretching is no exception – it can be extremely dangerous and harmful if done incorrectly. It is vitally important that the following rules be adhered to, both for safety and for maximizing the potential benefits of stretching.