In my last blog entry, I talked about static stretching which is a slow, controlled, no-bounce type of stretching that should be the mainstay of your stretching program.
Another type of stretching that you may hear about, especially with athletes, is dynamic stretching. It is meant to provide a more functional type of stretch that tries to mimic the type of movement patterns the athlete will be using during their sport or activity.
Dynamic stretching is a more advanced technique, and although it has its potential benefits, it also has higher risk of injury. Athletes using dynamic stretching techniques are often supervised by athletic trainers or physical therapist, especially when they are learning the techniques. Dynamic stretching should be carefully and gradually added to your routines. If you have orthopedic issues, you should first check with your physician or therapist to see if dynamic stretching is right for you.
Unlike with static stretching, dynamic stretching involves more movement including more bouncing and rotating during the stretch. If static stretching is a statue, dynamic stretching is the bobble head version. The final position is not held during the stretch. The forces across the muscles and tendons are greater and more sudden, and that is why it is more likely to pull or strain a muscle. Having said that, most sports are ballistic in nature and involve sudden movement patterns, which is why it is thought that dynamic stretching routines may better prepare the athlete for what they are about to do on the field, or on the court- or even on the stage, for professional dancers.
