by Suzanne Harrison
South China Morning Post, 8 April 2005

Active Isolated Stretching

What is it?
AIS is a form of stretching to relieve pain and realign posture. It was founded by Aaron Mattes in the US about 30 years ago after he suffered s severe sporting injury. Hong Kong –based Chris Watts (who trained under Mattes in Florida) offers the therapy at Stretch studio in Central, which he open with his wife, Sylvie, in December 1999. Stretch, which is opening a studio in London in August, has seven staff.

How does it work?
According to AIS principles, contracting one muscle relaxes and lengthens the opposite muscle without force, and also stretches joints. Because you’re lying down, the assisted stretch doesn’t put pressure on other areas of the body.

To start, Watts assesses your posture. In my case, he quickly works out the one hip is higher than the other (this affects the entire right side) and that the right shoulder tends to torque, or round inwards. The result is lower back pain.

What’s the session like?
Surprisingly enjoyable and relaxing, it leaves you with a sense of relief that simple back massage couldn’t. Watts works swiftly and is knowledgeable about the links between joints and muscles. His 1-2 second stretch technique means there’s no pain.

How does it feel afterwards?
As if the body has been loosened. Watts shows you where your shoulders and sternum should be. He also shows you how to align yourself at home, which he says is particularly useful for those who train, do yoga, or feel the onset of pain.

How different is it from physiotherapy?
People see physiotherapists usually only when they’re already in pain – and that specific area is treated. AIS works on the entire body.

What’s good about it?
A sense of relief. Tight muscles feel relaxed, and stiff joints are opened. The studio is airy and comfortable and the staff are enthusiastic. Also, there’s the realignment problems can actually be fixed and quickly.

What wasn’t so good?
Some minor discomfort when Watts presses into over – used muscles and joints, but this is short-lived. During the session, realignment comes easily. But afterwards, old habits return. This would need to be an on going practice either in the studio or at home.

How much does it cost?
It’s pricey at $800 for an hour with a staff member, or $1,000 with Watts, who says its’ good value, considering that you can take the skills away with you.

Who can benefit?
Anyone with pain or postural problems, which would seem to be lot of people, according to Watts. “More than 70 per cent of office workers have pain ,” he says.

What’s his background?
Watts is a former scuba-diving instructor, originally from Britain. He heard about AIS when Mattes gave a talk at the masseuse college where he was studying. He now sees about 200 clients a month .Stretch treats about 500 clients a month. “When you believe in something, it’s more likely that other people will believe in it, too,” he says. It’s been a snowball effect.”