When you tell a patient who is accustomed to exercising, "Your body is stiff!", they might respond positively with "I'll try harder with my stretching!" However, it's important to recognize that the stiffness they experience might not necessarily improve with the same approach they've been using. That's where I propose the "TAD Method: Absolute Sensory Stretching Technique." It's not about introducing something entirely new or complex; rather, it's an immediate improvement strategy that allows for the precise execution and confirmation of effectiveness of the exercises they've been doing.
Firstly, most people who stretch aren't able to accurately answer the question, "What is your purpose in stretching right now?" This lack of clarity undermines the effectiveness of their efforts. Understanding which tension needs to be released, how to loosen specific muscles, tendons, and fascia, and addressing areas that are difficult to stretch, such as tendons and fascia, leads to more effective stretching techniques.
Moreover, using one's absolute sensory perception as a gauge for accurate stretching is an insightful idea. Here, absolute sensory perception means memorizing the sensation of accurately targeting specific points during stretching. This prevents incorrect movements and visibly enhances the effects of previously performed stretches.
Points to note in the TAD Method: Absolute Sensory Stretching:
- Adherence to the duration of each approach: Even with precise stretching, failing to maintain sufficient duration for muscle extension diminishes effectiveness.
- Confirmation of accurate points: Understand the location of the target muscles, where they attach, and ensure that the stimulus reaches them.
Advantages of the TAD Method: Absolute Sensory Stretching:The most common mistake in regular stretching is the failure to accurately stimulate the target muscles. This often happens because individuals focus solely on the form of stretching, neglecting the confirmation of the desired outcomes. A simple preventative measure is to objectively assess changes before and after stretching through photographs or other means. Recognizing mistakes promptly is a significant advantage. If there's no change, it's likely that the technique is incorrect.
Rather than silently stretching with the hope of seeing results three months later, it's more effective to assess daily progress and promptly correct mistakes to ensure consistent improvement. I have started a blog, "Massage Therapist's Perspective: Guiding to Gold Medal Performance," where I explain the TAD conditioning method in detail.
Link to the blog: "http://massage.sablage.biz/top-athletes/message-from-ace-skater/"