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From: jm@tekid.UUCP (Jeff Mizener)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: best way to stretch?
Message-ID: <1470@tekid.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 17-Aug-83 18:30:24 EDT
Article-I.D.: tekid.1470
Posted: Wed Aug 17 18:30:24 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 18-Aug-83 22:15:27 EDT
Lines: 39


>From "Professional Care" magazine, in an article in the Orthepedics
section on Cycling Injuries (date unknown, I have a copy of a copy).
By Wayne B. Leadbetter, MD and Myles J. Schneider, DPM.
Used w/o permission.

	"Stretching should be done before and after riding.
	 Each stretch should be done slowly with no bouncing
	 or jerky motion.  There should be no pain or burning.
	 The beginning stretch lasts for twenty to 30 seconds;
	 gently relax into the position and remember to breathe
	 deeply; during this time the stretch reflexes will
	 relax and the muscles will become more pliable.  Next,
	 gently try to further reach in the direction of the
	 stretch for another 30 seconds or more.  Strain - a
	 tearing of the muscle fibres - is to be avoided.  It
	 is important to understand that a slow gentle approach
	 to stretching reduces the action of the "stretch reflex,"
	 which is a tendency for muscles to shorten in response
	 to the stretch lengthening; it is a protective reflex to
	 prevent tearing of the muscle from overextension, and 
	 most active during an unexpected exaggerated motion,
	 *such as bouncing* [my emphasis].  When brought into
	 play, it prevents you from obtaining maximum stretch
	 and thus maximum flexibilty."
	
Happy Trails,

	Jeff "No Pain, No Gain" Mizener
	Tektronix Inc., IG/ADG
	Beaverton, OR

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