Stretching: Before or after warm-up?

[physiomitch]

I think you answered your own question, stretching as I have been explaining it, is done to the initial feel of stretch ot tightness or however someone describes it. It is passive, not forceful, and does not irritate the tissues at all. Ideally it would be great if all body parts could be done in this way, however, the back can be a difficult one to stretch passivley. However, gentle arching of the back, side flexions, etc. can be done as long as we are moving through the full allowable range, without irritation or pain. Watch animals when they awake, spine stretch first then limbs and neck, no counting, just 'feel'. In general it has been shown that one stretch a day in all necessary directions can maintain fascial integrity, thus better bodily function inside and out.

Personally I have been working with Myofascial release for 15 years, so my judgement can only be swayed by the work I have done and the amazing results that can be achieved with releasing fascia, including return of muscle strength almost immediately. My views of fascia are obviously governed by what I have learnt about it from various research and books, but from a logical point of view it is the tissue that keeps the body together, like the canvas on a tent, keeping the poles in place, giving dynamics to the body. Truthfully, as a Physio I am interested in what allows me to treat to the best of my ability, and that may not include all the finer details of the make up of fascia, although I prefer to be informed anyway, so if I have an understanding of what is happening when I manipulate fascia that will allow me to enhance my techniques.

[smarv85]

has anyone got any views on stretching during resting periods between bouts of exercise such as half time in team sports or between sets in the gym?