Active Isolated Stretching
Aaron L. Mattes, RKT, LMT, developed the Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) Method. Aaron L. Mattes
received his Master of Science Degree (Kinesiology and Exercise Science) from the University
of Illinois. He directed a large outpatient clinic at the University of Illinois and a clinic at the
University of Toledo. Mattes' experience encompasses over 250,000 hours in instruction,
rehabilitation, athletic training and preventative programs.
Active Isolated Stretching was developed through thousands of hours of teaching, research and
clinical application.
Physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, massage therapists,
trainers, coaches, athletes as well as anyone concerned about wellness and health will find
AIS to be effective in postural restoration, performance enhancement, injury prevention, and
rehabilitation.
What is AIS?
AIS is a specific unique method of stretching used by many of today's professional athletes,
massage therapists, personal/athletic trainer, and various professionals. AIS allows the body
to repair itself and also to prepare for daily activity. Each stretch is held for only two seconds and
each muscle is stretched in an isolated manner by moving in a specific direction and
position for each stretch.
This method of stretching is also known to work with the body's natural physiological makeup
to improve circulation and increase the elasticity of muscle joints and fascia. The Mattes Method
incorporates a key concept, which states that only relaxed myofascial structures will allow
themselves to be optimally stretched. When a muscle on one side of a joint is contracted, the
muscle on the opposite side sends a neurological signal to relax or release. Combining this
knowledge with a slow controlled rhythmic stretch of no greater than two seconds provides
for a neurologically sound technique that does not trigger a reflexive antagonistic contraction which
would inhibit the stretch potential of the muscle.
Why is AIS Important?
Through proper stretching and restoration of flexibility, we can maintain a healthier homeostatic,
pain free state, and enjoy a better quality of life!
For example, if a person has one shoulder slightly higher than the other or the hips and pelvis
slightly tilted, then they will experience a shift from the center of gravity and develop an abnormal
contracted flexed walking pattern. These musculoskeletal imbalances promote changes in structural tensions that could lead to increased joint degeneration, obstruction of lymphatic channels and neurovascular congestion.
AIS helps to restore symmetry in the body which helps to maintain the health of an individual.
Benefits of AIS!
* Increase and maintain complete range of motion of joints
* Relieve muscle soreness
* Improve capacity for activity
* Promote general body relaxation
* Decrease unnecessary neuromuscular tension
* Reduce emotional stress
* Relieve muscle-joint stiffness associated with the aging process
* Provide greater potential for physical and athletic skills
* Reduce tightness
* Provide an important adjunct toward recovery during the rehabilitation process
Permission to use this information as a reference in this web site granted by Aaron L. Mattes.
Reference Material: Active Isolated Stretching, The Mattes Method by Aaron L. Mattes. Published by Aaron L. Mattes, P.O. Box 17217, Sarasota, FL 34276-0217