I often get a funny look from clients when I suggest they stop stretching. The well-intended blanket advice to stretch more doesn’t work for everyone. 

I’m talking those who are:

• Hypermobile. Particularly those who are quite flexible but feel a bit stiff somewhere. To the client it may seem restricted, but often there is plenty of motion and what they’re lacking is STABILITY. You need to balance both and creating even MORE mobility can be counterproductive. 

• A bit stiff and like to aggressssssively stretch. Sometimes your joint is just shaped that way and no amount of stretching will change your mobility - sorry. It can even cause other issues. 

I’m not suggesting you stop taking your joints and muscles through full ranges. 

Instead, I suggest you stretch if you feel the need and enjoy the movement, but not always in order to gain length or more motion. There are few cases where aggressive stretching is called for. 

Your best bet is to get assessed to truly find out what’s best for you and your body! 

(April 6 2021)