Stretching/Range of Motion

Stretching is used as part of rehabilitation to increase flexibility, prevent tissue contraction due to immobility, align collagen and scar tissue and to reduce adhesions' forming. It is also used to improve and assess range of motion. 

• Stretching - Can be passive (done by the physio) or active (done by the animal). 
• Range of motion - The amount of degrees a joint can be flexed and extended.

When to Stretch?

Stretching is good to obtain flexibility and assess how much an animal can move. 

However it should never be used the day on or before a competition or strenuous activity, when skin integrity is poor, active bleeding, protective muscle spasms, fractures or infected joints are present.