Our AIS Northwest office in Sequim is closed. New location:
Joshua Morton
111 Bank St. #140
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(206) 992-4029
Email: info@aisnorthwest.com
Articles
HOW (AND WHY) YOU SHOULD BE STRETCHING YOUR FEET AND ANKLES
By Joshua Morton, LMT, MAISS
Massage Magazine, August 2020 issue
Online Article: How (and Why) You Should be Stretching Your Feet and Ankles - MASSAGE Magazine
Upper-Body Flexibility For Pain Free Practice
By Joshua Morton, LMT, MAISS
Massage Magazine, October 2019 issue (Issue 281)
Lower-Body Flexibility For Pain Free Practice
By Joshua Morton, LMT, MAISS
Massage Magazine, October 2019 issue (Issue 281)
Online Article : https://www.massagemag.com/active-isolated-stretching-119223/
Decreasing Edema with Active Isolated Stretching
By Joshua Morton, LMP, MAISS, MMLT and Susan Guttzeit, LMP, MAISS
One main key to understanding how to reduce edema lies in stimulating the lymphatic and venous systems. Circulation needs to be restored to deeper tissues, adhesions released, and scarring reduced and realigned. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by utilizing muscle contractions and stretching to create a pushing and pulling force within the vessels. The repeated muscle contractions and stretching that occur using the Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) method create exactly that - a gentle pumping action that promotes lymphatic and venous circulation. This action in turn reduces inflammation and edema. A healthy lymphatic system is an essential component in restoring balance in the body so that it can heal. Read More >>
What is a neutral pelvis?
By Joshua Morton, LMP
Your pelvis is in a neutral position when it is not tilted, elevated, depressed or rotated in any direction. A pelvis can tilt anteriorly, posteriorly, inferiorly and superiorly it can also rotate internally and externally. This is not taking into account the added movement that occurs at the S/I joint. Of course the pelvis can move in any combination of these directions on either side depending on what is demanded of it. As the pelvis repeatedly tilts or rotates or both in the same direction, it becomes stuck in a certain pattern. When this happens physiological dysfunction can and often will occur. The problems usually manifest in splinting of the muscles and inflammation around the L/S and/or S/I joints. Read More >>
AIS and Yoga
By Joshua Morton, LMP
How is yoga stretching different from Active Isolated stretching?
Yoga
The first point to consider is the motivation behind yoga. Yoga originated as a meditation for cultivating energy. There are many different forms of yoga practice depending on the teacher and the idea behind what is proper positioning to achieve the desired change in the energetic body. It was not created ancient times as a means to attain flexibility. It was created as a means of discovering your true inner self; it is physical meditation. In modern times, however, this purpose is often overlooked and yoga has evolved into a practice of physical exercise. Yoga today is touted as an excellent means to achieve flexibility and strength. Read More >>
AGONY of DeFEET
By Joshua Morton, LMP
The foot consists of 19 bones, 31 joints, 23 muscles, 6 nerves, 3 arteries, 3 veins and numerous ligaments. This structure alone makes the foot a very dynamic and complex part of the body. A foot that is malfunctioning contributes to problems up the kinetic chain into the ankles, knees, hips and even affects your spine if the problem is not resolved and continues over a long period of time. Believe it or not, if left unchecked, a tight gastrocnemius can lead to TMJD! Read More >>
Stretching Pre/Post Sports Event
By Joshua Morton, LMP, MAISS, MMLT
There has been much research about stretching and performance. Specifically, the discussion centers on whether it’s a good idea to stretch before a competitive sports event.
The goal of flexibility training is to relax and create length in the muscles; however, this needs to be done in accordance with our natural physiological mechanisms. A better understanding of these mechanisms allows us to work with our body instead of telling our body what to do. It is also important to understand what effects different methods of stretching have on us. If we understand these things and the activities we are stretching for we can take care of our bodies safely and effectively without exposing ourselves to risk. Read More >>
Stretching and Aging
By Susan Guttzeit, LMT, MAISS
I’m often asked: Why do we get stiffer as we age?
As we get older it becomes even more important to keep moving. Over the years an increasingly sedentary life style can contribute strongly to decreased flexibility and reduced circulation of blood and lymph. However, there are also other factors involved. Stress, postural habits, injuries, muscular imbalances, genetics, and poor nutrition play a role as well.
