Flexibility

Improve Flexibility Beyond Stretching

In 1970 Somax researchers discovered that flexibility is not synonymous with stretching.

Stretching, in fact, is the least effective way to improve flexibility.

The popular belief that stretching and flexibility are synonymous is based on the false belief that we are composed of muscles, bones and a nervous system.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Connective Tissue

We are mostly connective tissue. Thin membranes of connective tissue (erroneously called fascia) surround every muscle, bone and nerve in the body. The human body runs on its connective tissue infrastructure.

Normally smooth, the connective tissue membranes facilitate muscles sliding past each other, which they must do to stretch or contract. With stress or trauma, we tense our muscles, creating microfibers between the muscles as part of the healing process. These microfibers are a mild form of adhesion or scar tissue that act as an internal cast to immobilize the area so that it can repair.

Once the area has healed, the microfibers not only do not go away, they tend to accumulate over time, which is why people get stiffer as they get older.

Cannot Be Released By Stretching

Microfibers cannot be released by stretching. What good would a cast do if we could just stretch and release it?

This is why stretching is not an effective method to improve flexibility. More than 95% of the world's population, from the very young to the elderly, have microfibers that restrict flexibility.

The best indication that you have microfibers between your muscles (they are too small to feel or see on X-rays or MRI's) is that you stretch but are unable to achieve full range of motion.

Microfiber Reduction

Microfibers can be released by Microfiber Reduction , our proprietary form of connective tissue massage. Microfiber Reduction generally improves flexibility 50-300% beyond what stretching alone can do. Microfiber Reduction reverses the stiffness that comes with age.

Tension Reduction

Somax has also developed Tension Reduction exercises to reduce tension in specific muscle groups. As tension is reduced, flexibility is also improved by as much as 100% beyond what stretching alone can do. It is impossible for tense muscles to be flexible muscles.

How much Tension Reduction and Microfiber Reduction an individual needs depends on how much flexibility has been lost, and what proportion of their present stiffness is due to microfibers or tension. For some individuals, 90% of their stiffness is due to microfibers. For others, 90% of their stiffness is due to tension. The only way to know is to reduce microfibers and look at the results. If someone is not tense, the improvement will last. If they are tense, they will tense up again and some of the improvement will be lost until the tension in those muscles is reduced.

Stretches

Once microfibers and tension are released in an area, ongoing stretching can be helpful. Somax researchers have discovered and measured 20-25 ranges for each sport and activity. You can order articles on this web site that will show you how to measure and stretch these ranges.

Clients

To see photos of Somax clients who have improved their flexibility, please go to Clients and Testimonials. See also Hidden Secrets.

Schedules and Appointments

Please contact us to discuss our programs to improve flexibility and schedule appointments.

www.somaxsports.com