Prescriptive Stretching-2nd Edition

No one likes to live with aches and pain. Whether the pain is caused by poor posture, repetitive movements, injury, or sedentary behavior, Prescriptive Stretching, Second Edition, can help put you on the path to feeling better and living without the pain.

Prescriptive Stretching features full-color anatomical illustrations and step-by-step instructions for dozens of the most effective stretches to eliminate pain, alleviate muscle soreness, improve balance and flexibility, and prevent common injuries. You’ll find various types of stretches and techniques, including individual unassisted stretches, the use of a tennis ball to target troublesome areas like the shoulder and feet, and partner stretches to ease pain caused by poor posture or sitting for long periods of time.

Most importantly, Prescriptive Stretching offers ready-to-use stretching sequences to target specific problem areas. These pain release programs will help address many common ailments:

• Back pain
• Neck stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder soreness
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Runner’s knee

Whether you’re looking to increase range of motion or simply alleviate muscle pain and discomfort, Prescriptive Stretching will help you feel better from head to toe.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

Audience

Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, fitness professionals, and anyone who wants to better manage pain.

Introduction
Muscles and Bones of the Human Body
Stretching Fundamentals
Targeted Stretches
Programs for Pain Relief
Assessing Flexibility and Muscle Balance
Stretch Index

 

Kristian Berg is a doctor of naprapathy, a medical therapy that focuses on manual manipulation and stretching of the spine and connective tissues. Since 1988 he has managed his own clinic in Stockholm, Sweden, where he specializes in musculoskeletal ultrasound diagnostics (MSKUL). He regularly lectures on MSKUL to specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine. As part of his practice, he is ESSR certified to offer PRP/ACP injections for severe tendon injuries. At his clinic, he has shown more than 30,000 patients the importance of stretching and muscular balance for overall health. Berg participates annually in international training courses in dissection, anatomy, and manipulative techniques.

Berg works with Stockholm’s Idrottsgymnasium (the Stockholm high school of sports) in integrating a personal training education into their regular education. He is a lecturer in anatomy at the Scandinavian College of Naprapathic Manual Medicine in Stockholm and is a highly regarded speaker on stretching and athletic training in Sweden and throughout Europe. He is a frequent lecturer at the Global Hamstring Project (inaugural conference in 2015) and a regular attendee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) World Conference.

Before becoming a naprapath, Berg was a nationally ranked gymnast and a talented junior tennis player. More recently, he has competed as a multisport athlete and has climbed Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. Berg resides in Svartsjo, Sweden.

“Prescriptive Stretching is the most comprehensive guide for managing pain and injury through stretching. Kristian Berg has the answers to the questions my patients frequently ask about stretching, and he clearly explains the why, how and when. An essential for every gym bag!”
—Ron Noy, MD, Prestige Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

“Prescriptive Stretching is a wonderful resource for any level of learner. Beginning with the anatomy of the muscles and bones is critical in order to gain an understanding of the purpose of performing specific stretches and WHY. I especially appreciate the information on the health benefits of movement and stretching. The Four Main Principles are so insightful. Stretching is often a mystery to many people, and these guidelines are important in preparing the user to understand the purpose and function of each stretch. Although the book is science based, the terms are explained in a very easy-to-understand manner. The sections on posture are also very enlightening. So many people would avoid pain and dysfunction if they would take the time to focus on their daily postures and then address the misalignment through a stretch or series of stretches. This easy-to-follow guide offers simple application for better health and daily performance through flexibility.”
—Irene McCormick, MS, CSCS, Senior Director of Fitness Education for Orangetheory Fitness

Gastrocnemius (ball version)
Gluteus Medius and Minimus (kneeling version)
Pectoralis Major (Partner stretch, version 1)
 Exercises to avoidMiddle trapezius and rhomboidsSternocleidomastoidTrigger points