Active Isolated Stretching

Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is a method of stretching that is commonly used by athletes and personal trainers.  It uses precise, thorough movements to focus treatment on specific muscles.  First, the targeted muscle is placed in an appropriate position.  Next, 8 to 10 stretch and hold cycles are implemented.  Within each cycle, stretches are held for 2-seconds and then released.  This serves to enhance communication between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system, thereby promoting increased coordination, elasticity and precision of movement.  Significant reductions in pain and soreness have also been reported.

AIS practitioners work to promote flexibility and range of motion because they believe that a flexible body is more efficient, is more easily trained to strength and endurance, stays balanced more easily, is less prone to injury, recovers from workouts more quickly, and, as a result, just plain feels better! At Cranbury Therapeutic Massage, AIS is primarily practiced by Nancy Sheehan.  Nancy has studied this technique extensively, most recently with its founder, Aaron L. Mattes.

In some cases, idiosyncratic aspects of posture and movement can provide clues to effective treatment.  Nancy has been trained to recognize these clues, so that the treatment you receive is optimized to your unique requirements.
 

Nancy’s AIS sessions are not only designed to help you, but to also help you learn to help yourself.

Massage Techniques
If you know what style of massage you prefer, please let us know when you book your session and we’ll match a therapist to your specific needs.  Otherwise, merely tell us how you feel when you come in, and our therapists will create a custom session for you.   Please note, not all therapists use every technique.