STRETCH WORK
This is a gentle therapy, consisting of a mixture of light stretching and massage work. Classically termed "myofascial release therapy," this style is applied in kneading-style strokes that are meant to stretch, loosen, soften and lengthen muscle tissues. The strokes are applied with gentle pressure, and held for approximately 2 minutes in order for the stretch to have its full effect on the muscle. Typically the same stretch is performed more than once until the muscle is totally relaxed and a release is felt, always in the direction of muscle fibers to encourage the full range of motion of the muscle.