Passive stretching of soft tissues
In soft tissues after any injury immediate repair takes place by formation of fibrous tissue (scar). This scar has an inherent property of contracture and tends to bind tissues together. When this scar tissue forms in fascia, muscles and ligaments it limits the function of tissue because of its lower elasticity.
It hurts when the scar tissue is stretched beyond a limit. Early ambulation is essential after injury to ensure that scar tissue is laid down in the correct plane of movement. Despite all these precautions, nerve entrapment happens in scar tissue.
Passive stretching of soft tissues is most often done for frozen shoulder, early osteoarthritis, sprain and other conditions.
Passive stretching is designed to lengthen shortened scar tissue, complement massage and joint mobilization.
Active stretching of soft tissues
This is widely practiced in sports. Before starting of sprint, sports persons perform auto stretching of muscles, ligaments and fascia. Exact benefit is not known. It is supposed to warm up tissues before major activity.
This is supposed to provide flexibility and therefore a greater range of movement. The person takes up the position with the appropriate structure or tissues (hamstrings) on the stretch, feels the tightness and holds for 30-60 seconds; then as the tightness reduced he takes up the slack and hold again.
This is repeated 3-4 times. Te procedure is then applied to the opposite side. The technique should be performed daily.
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Thank you for your post, it is very informative.