INTRODUCING

Active Isolated Stretching & Strengthening: Mattes Method 

and Clinical Sports Massage

The muscles and bones work together in a complex manner of "ropes, pulleys & levers" to create movement for the body. The musculoskeletal system is also referred to as the bodies “locomotor system”. When the system is out of tune movement patterns become distorted and eventually lead to muscular discomforts due to compensation from the distorted biomechanics of the body. The nagging pains for the most part are not severe enough to warrant a doctor visit yet uncomfortable enough to curtail your daily routine, workload or athletic performance.

For athletes improper movement patterns will have a negative effect on efficiency, physical performance and could possibly lead to other injuries.

Active Isolated Stretching & Strengthening and Clinical Sports Massage have been used successfully to alleviate poor postures, erratic/restricted movement patterns, and acute/chronic muscular pains. Muscle tissues respond and heal more quickly with improvements in pain levels, athletic performance, injury/workout recovery and flexibility. Each session is tailored to your pain level without the extreme discomfort often found in other therapies. 

Active Isolated Stretching- Mattes Method (AIS:MM) is a protocol of precise stretching where you are active in the movement and holding each stretch for only two (2) seconds. Chances are you have never been stretched as thoroughly and precisely as you will experience during your session. Workout clothing is worn for AIS sessions which normally last 90 minutes and longer.

Clinical Sports Massage (CSM) is an effective unique method of manual therapy through the use of different techniques and movements to manipulate the muscles, tendons and ligaments which make up the soft tissues of the body. The goals of CSM are to normalize soft tissue dysfunctions and reestablish proper movements with full range of motion.

Hal Richardson, LMT has worked with individuals, teams and at sporting events since 1996. He is known for his work with athletes on all levels of competition in a variety of sports and for his work with patients suffering from muscular dysfunctions and soft tissue injuries.

He has trained and worked with Aaron Mattes, the originator of the Active Isolated Stretching & Strengthening, as well as assisting Mr. Mattes at his training seminars. He is the only therapist in Alabama using the full protocol of AIS since 1996! 

Since 2003 Hal has worked weekly with some of the top athletes in track and field through his involvement with the University of Alabama Women’s Track and Field program. This group has included several All-Conference & All-Americans, Southeastern Conference Champions, and a National Champion in 2005.

UPDATE June 2008: Hal participated in the first ever Advanced AIS:MM training held in the clinic of Dr. Jeff Haggquist in Washington DC. The small group of participants were selected by Mr. Mattes and Dr. Haggquist for their expertise and dedication in the practice of Active Isolated Stretching and Strengthening: Mattes Method. The advanced course covered the use of AIS:MM when working with injuries, joint replacements, pre & post surgery rehab patients and the use of AIS:MM for patients with muscle diseases such as Parkinson's and MS.

The group had the  privilege to hear from several world renowned researchers and doctors. Their presentations helped to understand the possible effects of AIS:MM on the human body in relationship to their respective fields of expertise and research in fascia, hypermobility, genetics and nutrition. 

The development of a foundation for the research into the AIS:MM protocols and methods was also announced. The foundation, to be named soon, will work to coordinate findings, publications, fund raising and grant writing needs. Evidence based case studies for scientific understanding and research of the AIS:MM protocols and methods are beginning. The knowledge obtained from research will help find the answers of "how & why" the methods and protocols of AIS:MM work so well with muscular diseases and injuries.