About Thrive

Where are we?

Thrive is an active isolated stretching (AIS) studio located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Who do we serve?

We have a wide variety of clients ranging from professional athletes (PGA golfers and olympic skiers looking to reach peak flexibility for athletic performance), to recovering cancer patients seeking rehab for increased range of motion. We encourage you to read testimonials from our clients below to learn how AIS could help you.

Athletes:

Shannon Hanley - LPGA Professional Golfer

Logan Sankey - Professional Skier, US Ski Team

Injury Rehabilitation:

Wellness in Aging

What do we do?

We help people to improve wellness by increasing flexibility and range of motion through activate isolated stretching.

What is active isolated stretching, and what is the science behind it?

Active Isolated Stretching (A.I.S.) is an important part of warm-up, training, or rehabilitation. Specificity is important to achieve maximum circulation, oxygenation, relaxation, lymphatic circulation, nutritional deliverance and tissue elongation.

The process begins with identification of the specific muscles and tissues to be stretched. The opposite side

At Thrive Stretch Therapy, we utilize the Mattes Method of AIS. For the past 42 years, Aaron L. Mattes training and education of functional anatomy and kinesiology provided a basis for his innovative therapeutic myofasical technique termed the Mattes Method. The Mattes Method promotes functional and physiological restoration of muscles, tendons, vertebrae, ligaments and joints facilitating healthier superficial and deep fascial planes.

The Mattes Method incorporates a key concept, which states that only relaxed myofascial structures will allow themselves to be properly stretched. The Mattes Method utilizes a gradual stretch of no longer than 2.0 seconds promoting a full range of motion and flexibility without activating antagonistic muscle group contraction.

The Mattes Method is a manual technique that isolates muscles that are to be stretched by contracting the opposing muscles. The clinical success of the Mattes Method are based on sound scientific principles that adhere to the practical application of Wolff's and Sherrington's Laws.

Facilitated stretch based on anatomical knowledge of muscle tendon origin and insertion provides for optimal flexibility without trauma.

Benefits of Stretching: Why should I try active isolated stretching?

Improve preparation for athletic activity. Warm-up stretches facilitate increased blood shunting to muscles, increased body temperature, reduced muscle tension, heightened neuromuscular integration and improved connective tissue pliability.
Optimize muscle and tendon range of motion up to 1.6 times resting length. At muscle lengths greater than 1.6 times its resting length, muscles will begin to tear and bleed. In general, females are more flexible than males.
Facilitate the removal of metabolic waste products. Improved oxygenation eliminates carbon dioxide formation; whereas, improved circulation eliminates lactic acid buildup.
Reduce risk of muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint injuries. Improved flexibility optimizes physiologic functions and decreases local ischemic effects.
Reduced postural tightness due to aging. Kyphosis, scoliosis, and flexor contractures are created by tightness of myofascial structures supporting the spine as we stand in a forward biped stance.
Rehabilitate muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. Flexibility promotes improved blood circulation and oxygenation, nourishing cells, tissues and organs restoring health and wellness.
Facilitate the flow of lymphatic fluid. Optimal stretch stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid that allows the body to channel waste and toxic products out of the body.
Enhance athletic performance in conditioning. Optimal flexibility requires less energy expenditures in movement allowing for increased stamina and performance enhancement of speed, agility, and strength.
Maximize potential and level of athletic performance. Stretching, flexibility, and the use of plyometrics have promoted higher performance abilities, especially noted in jumpers, as a result of increased muscle power and elasticity by virtue of neuromuscular integration and optimization.