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STRETCHING

• Targets tight, shortened muscles, allowing joints to move through a greater range
• Increases tissue elasticity and reduces passive stiffness
• Prepares muscles for strengthening by reducing restrictions

flexibility

• The ability of a muscle to lengthen and allow movement
• Refers to passive range of motion

Limitations

Passive stretching focuses on increasing muscle length and reducing stiffness > it doesn’t address the muscle's active control over the joint

• Lack of Strength in New Range

  • If you stretch and lengthen a muscle without strengthening it, your body may not feel "safe" using that new range of motion
  • This could lead to instability or an inability to access that range during movement.

• Risk of Injury

  • An overly flexible joint without supporting strength is more prone to dislocations or strains, as it lacks the control needed to stabilize itself

• Short-Term Gains

  • Stretching temporarily reduces tension
  • BUT doesn’t necessarily lead to permanent changes unless paired with strengthening exercises that reinforce the new range.

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References