Use Reciprocal Inhibition to Improve Stretching & Mobility

Posted by Dr. Scott Wilson | 07-Mar-2014

When it comes to static stretching, the key is to make sure to use proper form to isolate & effectively target specific muscles or muscle groups. However, if you really want to maximize the impact and really increase your overall mobility, consider adding “reciprocal inhibition” (a contraction of the muscle opposite to the one you’re looking to stretch) to more effectively relax the target muscle which allows for a more complete stretch.

Here’s a video from Dr. Jason Lemieux of Physiomed Oakville that demonstrates how to incorporate reciprocal inhibition when static stretching key muscle groups:

Dr. Scott Wilson

Dr. Scott Wilson is the Founder & Chairman of Physiomed; one of Canada’s largest franchised networks of inter-disciplinary healthcare clinics. A graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Dr. Wilson founded Physiomed in 1994 and has since grown Physiomed to over 30 clinics in Southern Ontario and British Columbia. With hundreds of practitioners from over a dozen disciplines, Dr. Wilson and Physiomed have helped over 100,000 Canadians with physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, orthotic therapy, compression therapy and clinical conditioning as part of a program of rehabilitation and health optimization. In addition to helping patients improve their physical and mental well-being, Dr. Wilson has also mentored hundreds of practitioners to provide better care while enjoying more fulfilling careers. He is also a keynote speaker on many health related topics including how physiotherapy, chiropractic and health & wellness treatment can help with stress, weight loss, and unlocking the true potential within to achieve lasting physical well-being.