Massage.
TechniquestretchingBeyond Cert IVDraft

Active-assisted stretching

The client moves a body part into a stretch with their own muscles, and the therapist supports the limb and adds a small, gentle assist at the end of range.

Purpose
  • Keep the client actively involved in the stretch
  • Let the client set the range, with the therapist adding only a small assist at the end
  • Bridge between passive stretching and the client stretching on their own
Pressure
2–4 / 10 · pressure scale
RhythmSlow lift over a few seconds, a brief supported hold at end range, then a slow, controlled return; repeat a few times.
HandsPalm under the heel or ankle, optionally a second palm above the knee to keep it straight
Cautions
  • The client leads the movement; you only assist at the end and only a little.
  • Tension, not pain. Stop if the client feels sharp pain or cramping.
  • Keep the knee straight and the other leg flat so the pelvis does not tilt.
  • Never bounce at the end of range.

Step by step

1 / 6
  1. 01 / 06

    Explain and position

    With the client supine and the other leg flat, explain that they will lift the leg themselves and you will help only a little at the end.

  2. 02 / 06
    Client lifts the straight leg under their own muscle power as far as is comfortable

    Client lifts

    Ask the client to lift the straight leg slowly, using their own hip muscles, as far as is comfortable.

  3. 03 / 06
    At the end of the client's own range the therapist's hand under the heel adds a small assist

    Support and assist

    Take the weight of the leg under the heel. As the client keeps lifting, add a small, gentle assist at the end of their range.

  4. 04 / 06

    Brief hold

    Hold for a few seconds while the client breathes, checking that they feel a stretch but no pain.

  5. 05 / 06
    Client and therapist lower the leg back to the table together, slowly and with control

    Lower together

    Lower the leg slowly back to the table together, with the client still using their own muscles.

  6. 06 / 06

    Repeat

    Repeat a few times, and ask whether the range feels easier each time.

Common mistakes

  • Taking over and turning it into a passive stretch.
  • Pushing hard at the end instead of giving a small assist.
  • Letting the leg drop on the way down.
  • Allowing the knee to bend or the pelvis to lift.

How it should feel

  • Giver: the leg feels light because the client is doing most of the work; your hand just guides and adds a little.
  • Receiver: in control of the movement, with a gentle extra stretch at the end.

Self-check

Drills

This technique is beyond Cert IV scope and should be practised only after appropriate training. It is included here for awareness and future study.

Active-assisted stretching sits between passive stretching (where you do all the moving) and active stretching (where the client does it all). Because the client’s own muscles lift the limb, they set the pace and range, and you add only a small assist at the end. The Hamstrings are a simple teaching example with the client Supine.

Evidence on stretching in general is mixed: it does not appear to reduce muscle soreness, and its effect on injury risk is unclear. Describe the aim as helping the client explore their comfortable range. For stretches that add a contraction, see PNF stretching and Muscle energy technique.

Muscles

  • Hamstrings — Group of three muscles on the back of the thigh, running from the sitting bone to below the knee, that bend the knee and extend the hip.
  • Biceps femoris — Two-headed hamstring muscle on the outer back of the thigh that bends the knee, and with its long head also extends the hip.
  • Semitendinosus — Inner hamstring muscle with a long, cord-like lower tendon that bends the knee, extends the hip and turns the leg inwards.
  • Semimembranosus — Broad, flat inner hamstring muscle lying under semitendinosus that bends the knee, extends the hip and turns the leg inwards.

Used in routines

More videos

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Range of motion (Defines active assisted range of motion as the patient using their own muscles with some help from a therapist or equipment.)
  2. Wikipedia: Stretching (Distinguishes active stretching (internal forces) from passive stretching (external forces); notes ballistic stretching may damage joints.)
  3. AMTA: Is assisted stretch something you should add to your practice? (Clients should feel tension but not pain; communication is key to preventing injury.)