AboutBrad Walker (The Stretch Coach) Expertise I'm more than happy to answer any questions relating to stretching and flexibility. Including how to use stretching to improve your athletic performance, prevent sports injury and aid in the recovery of sports injury.
Experience I'm an internationally recognized stretching and sports injury consultant with 20 years of practical experience in the health and fitness industry. And the founder of (The Stretching Institute).
Organizations Sports Medicine Australia
Publications I've written 5 books on stretching, flexibility and sports injury, including... The Stretching Handbook (ISBN: 978-0958109338), The Anatomy of Stretching (ISBN: 978-1556435966) and The Anatomy of Sports Injuries (ISBN: 978-1556436666). Plus, I've had numerous articles published at About.com, Athletes.com and BodyBuilding.com.
Education/Credentials I'm a health science graduate of the University of New England, with post graduate accreditations in athletics, swimming and triathlon coaching. I've worked with elite level and world champion athletes and I lecture for Sports Medicine Australia on injury prevention.
Past/Present Clients I've worked as assistant coach to Miles Stewart (World Champion Triathlete) and Mick Doohan (World 500cc Motorcycle Champion). Plus I've worked with countless other athletes from sports as diverse as roller-skating, squash, and cycling.
Question i stretch and then I'm able to do my splits but shortly after it hurts really bad and i cant do my splits any more...why and how can i fix this....also i am a cheerleader and trying to get my heel stretch on both legs ..and it hurts extremely bad to try to get my leg up...............THANK YOU
Answer Hi Alyssa
Thanks for your inquiry. It's a pleasure to help and I hope the following is beneficial.
PNF Stretching is one of the most effective forms of stretching for the splits. You can find more detailed information about how to perform PNF stretches at the link below...
And make sure you concentrate on all the muscles around the groin, not just the groin: Hamstrings; Quads; Adductors; Hips; Buttocks; Lower Back; and even the calf muscles.
The pain you're experiencing could be a number of things. It is most likely an old injury, or maybe even a build up of scar tissue within the muscles and tendons. Or it may simply be that you're pushing your stretching too far.
If it is an old injury, treatment would consist of heat, massage, gentle stretching and rehab exercises.
There's 2 very detailed articles about the entire treatment process at the links below.
I hope the above has been helpful. For more information on how to stretch properly and the best stretching exercises for you, visit www.TheStretchingInstitute.com
Brad Walker
Founder & CEO
The Stretching Institute
