Introduction to Facilitated Stretching
by Bob McAtee, NCTMB, CSCS
Author of “Facilitated Stretching”
Flexibility is crucial to optimum performance and to reduce the risk of injury, both for ourselves and for our clients. Facilitated stretching, which is based on the principles of PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), consists of three simple steps: stretch the muscle, contract it isometrically against resistance, then stretch it again. These steps apply whether you’re isolating one muscle at a time, or using the spiral diagonal patterns of PNF to stretch groups of muscles simultaneously. It’s a safe, simple, yet dramatically effective form of active stretching, which can be used with a wide variety of clients to regain or improve flexibility. It’s not just for athletes!
Facilitated stretching, combined with soft tissue work, will enable you to obtain greater overall success in client treatment sessions. Additionally, a program of self-stretching using these techniques can be invaluable for clients in their home stretching programs. This seminar is geared to practitioners who have minimal experience with PNF Stretching theory and techniques. 75% of the presentation is hands-on.
In this 14-hour seminar, you will learn:
- The theoretical basis and principles underlying the development and use of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) and Facilitated Stretching.
- Effective facilitated stretches for most of the major muscle groups, including the use of spiral diagonal patterns for stretching synergistic groups of muscles together.
- Partner stretching techniques to use with your clients and self-stretching techniques to teach them to use at home.
- Safety factors in the use of facilitated stretching.
“Facilitated Stretching”, 3rd edition out in January 2007, is required for the course and is included in the seminar cost. Please bring a large towel for self-stretching practice. Since this is a stretching class, please wear, or be prepared to change into, exercise attire.
About the Presenter
Bob McAtee, NCTMB, CSCS is a sports massage therapist with over 25 years experience. He owns and operates Pro-Active Massage Therapy in Colorado Springs, CO. Bob regularly presents workshops on facilitated stretching, massage, and injury care nationally and internationally. He is the author of Facilitated Stretching, published by Human Kinetics Publishers. The book has sold over 80,000 copies and has been translated into Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese.
He has been a keynote speaker and featured presenter at numerous national and international conventions. He was one of only 180 massage therapists selected from a field of 800 applicants to be on the medical services team for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bob is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB), and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He also serves as the President of AMTA, Colorado. For more information, contact Bob via his website: www.stretchman.com
Comments from participants:
- Awesome course- very informative!
- Thank you for the excellent skills I can put to use immediately.
- Loved it. Should help me and my clients tremendously.
- I especially enjoyed Bob’s energy and ease of delivering the information.
- Loved all the hands-on work.
- Bob is very knowledgeable and a great teacher.
- Wonderful blend of self-care, technique, and theory!!
- The flow of the course was excellent. I’ll be able to use this immediately with my clients.
Date and Venue
Next course will be held at:
Date: 1-2 November 2008 (Sat/Sun)
Time: 9:0am-5:00pm
Venue: Singapore Management University
Fees: S$650 per person
Closing date for registration: 1 October 2008
Registration
