Massage.
TechniquestretchingDraft

Passive stretching

The therapist gently moves a relaxed limb to lengthen a muscle to a point of mild stretch and holds it there, with no effort from the client.

Purpose
  • Lengthen a muscle gently at the end of work on a region
  • Help the client notice where they feel tight
  • Finish a limb sequence with a slow, supported movement
Pressure
2–5 / 10 · pressure scale
RhythmSlow movement into the stretch, a steady hold of about 15–30 seconds, then a slow return.
HandsBoth hands supporting the limb, one at the far end (such as the heel) and one near the joint (such as above the knee)
Cautions
  • Stretch only to the first point of mild tension, never into pain.
  • Move slowly and never bounce.
  • Support the whole limb and keep the client relaxed; agree on a stop signal first.

Step by step

1 / 6
  1. 01 / 06

    Explain and agree

    Tell the client what you will do and ask them to say when they first feel a stretch and if they want to stop. Ask them to stay relaxed and let you do the work.

  2. 02 / 06
    Support the straight leg with one hand under the heel and one above the knee

    Support the limb

    With the client supine, cup one hand under the heel and rest the other just above the knee to keep it straight. Hold the whole weight of the leg.

  3. 03 / 06
    Lift the leg slowly until the client feels the first gentle stretch

    Lift slowly

    Raise the straight leg slowly until the client says they feel the first gentle stretch in the back of the thigh. Stop there.

  4. 04 / 06
    Hold the leg still at that point while the client breathes

    Hold

    Hold the leg still for about 15–30 seconds while the client breathes slowly. Check that the stretch still feels mild.

  5. 05 / 06

    Return slowly

    Lower the leg slowly to the table, keeping it fully supported all the way down.

  6. 06 / 06

    Other side

    Repeat on the other leg and compare what the client reports.

Common mistakes

  • Pushing past the first point of stretch or into pain.
  • Bouncing at the end of the range.
  • Letting the knee bend so the stretch is lost.
  • Dropping the limb on the way down.

How it should feel

  • Giver: the whole weight of the limb in your hands and a soft point where the stretch begins.
  • Receiver: a mild, steady pull in the muscle while the limb feels safely supported.

Self-check

Drills

A passive stretch is one where an outside force, here the therapist, does the moving. It is closely related to Passive range of motion: range of motion moves a joint through its easy range without holding, while passive stretching pauses at the end and holds.

Common stretches after massage target the Hamstrings with the client Supine, the Gastrocnemius and the Quadriceps. Stretches where the client pushes against resistance are remedial techniques and sit outside relaxation massage.

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.
  • Gastrocnemius — Two-headed superficial calf muscle that runs from above the knee to the heel and points the foot and helps bend the knee.
  • Quadriceps — Group of four large muscles on the front of the thigh that join into one tendon over the kneecap and are the only muscles that straighten the knee.
  • Pectoralis major — Large, fan-shaped chest muscle that flexes, adducts and medially rotates the arm.

Used in routines

Modalities

  • Lomilomi (Hawaiian massage) — A traditional Hawaiian and wider Polynesian practice, known in spas for long, flowing forearm strokes, that in its home culture is part of a spiritual and family healing tradition.
  • Shiatsu — A Japanese bodywork practice using finger, thumb and palm pressure, plus stretches, applied along meridians with the client clothed, usually on a floor mat.
  • Sports massage — Massage adapted to people who train or compete, with brisk pre-event work, calming post-event work and maintenance sessions between.
  • Traditional Thai massage (Nuad Thai) — A traditional Thai healing practice done on a floor mat with the client clothed, combining rhythmic pressure along energy lines with assisted stretches and rocking.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Stretching
  2. University of Minnesota, Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing: Glossary of massage techniques