To enable your body to take full advantage of the benefits provided by Charlotte massage therapists, you might want to consider partaking in a stretching routine before the session begins.

Stretching is most effective when applied before massage therapy sessions that are intended to restore tissue health, as opposed to simply relax the patient. Examples of ideal types of massage therapy sessions that require stretching beforehand include sports massages and rehabilitative massages. The primary role of stretching during a massage therapy session is to relax the muscles and improve circulation, which leads to improved flexibility and quicker recovery from physical stresses.

The following is a helpful list of a few different types of stretching techniques available through a professional massage therapist:

1. Mattes method: Also known as active isolated stretching, Mattes Method was discovered by Aaron Mattes after working extensively with multiple doctors, athletes and health care professionals at the University of Illinois. The technique is specifically designed for athletes. With the technique, patients will hold stretches for no longer than two seconds each. The stretches used in the method are often categorized with muscle lengthening techniques, which improve range of motion without causing trauma or tension. Essentially, the Mattes Method improves the elasticity of the muscles and provides natural energy to the patient.

2. Active stretching: One of the more common stretching techniques offered by local massage therapists is active stretching, which involves positioning your body a certain way to facilitate lengthening of a certain muscle or group of muscles. Active stretching was invented at Columbia University in 1998 by Thomas Sheehan, and has since become a popular stretching method for athletes, as well as everyday people. The stretches usually involve staying in an elongated position for 30 to 60 seconds in order to give your muscles enough time to adapt to the stretch. As a result, the patient builds strength and develops greater control over his or her body.

3. Yoga: Yoga is a type of active stretching that integrates concepts such as breathing, meditation and self-awareness into the routine. Each of these techniques contributes to better injury prevention. Specifically, yoga has proven to be one of the more effective techniques for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. As with other areas of the United States, yoga in Charlotte, N.C., massage therapy centers is performed by adopting specific bodily postures, including lotus position, downward facing dog and warrior pose, all of which focus on stretching the muscles and building strength.

To find a massage therapist who can introduce you to different stretching techniques, check Angie’s List.