About the Book

The third edition of Facilitated Stretching is now revised, reorganized, and packaged with a DVD-surpassing its popular predecessor as the best source for the latest PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching techniques.

Facilitated Stretching, Third Edition, provides a useful overview of PNF stretching-a safe and easy-to-use method that involves stretching the muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, then stretching it again to a new range of motion. These steps apply whether you are isolating one muscle at a time or using the spiral-diagonal patterns of PNF to stretch groups of muscles simultaneously. The third edition contains all the great features of the previous edition, plus the following:

• A companion DVD that demonstrates live stretching techniques from the book for a clearer understanding
• New stretching routines for a variety of popular activities including running, golf, swimming, cycling, and throwing and racket sports
• General stretches and stretches for older participants
• Stretching activities with added strength work using stability balls and elastic bands
• Stretching and strengthening tips for dealing with-and even preventing-common soft-tissue injuries

The new edition has also been reorganized using a regional approach to presenting muscle group functions around specific joints. You will learn how to stretch each major muscle in the body, both individually and in groups. In addition, you will discover how to appropriately use group pattern stretches to improve flexibility and coordination and individual muscle stretches to relax tight muscles and break up adhesions within or between muscles. Instruction is provided for using the techniques on your own or with a partner.

More than 350 photographs showing the progression of stretches enrich the book while the new 60-minute DVD demonstrates the stretches and strengthening exercises in even more detail. Icons are featured throughout the text, indicating which exercises are demonstrated on the DVD. A unique binding also allows you to lay the book flat while performing the exercises without losing your place. The DVD serves as a great visual tool for improving your technique and getting the most out of your routines.

Robert McAtee, BA, LMT, CSCS, C-PT has been a sport massage therapist since 1981, specializing in sport and orthopedic massage therapy. Since 1988 he has maintained an active, international sport massage practice in Colorado Springs, CO.

McAtee has been using facilitated stretching techniques with clients and athletes since 1986. He teaches facilitated stretching and sport massage seminars throughout the United States and internationally to massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, chiropractors, Olympic-caliber athletes and coaches, and amateur athletes.

He has been a keynote speaker and featured presenter at numerous national and international conventions. He was one of only 180 massage therapists selected from a field of 800 applicants to be on the medical services team for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

McAtee received his massage training at the Institute for Psycho-Structural Balancing (IPSB) in Los Angeles and San Diego (1981-82) and through the Sports Massage Training Institute (SMTI) in Costa Mesa, California (1986). He holds a BA in Psychology from California State University (1974), is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (1992), is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (1998), and an ACE-certified personal trainer (2006).

McAtee regularly presents workshops on facilitated stretching, massage, and soft-tissue injury care nationally and internationally. For more information, please contact him at

Table of Contents

Part I. The Prerequisites

Chapter 1. Understanding the Basics of Stretching

Chapter 2. Focusing on Facilitated Stretching

Chapter 3. Using the Spiral-Diagonal Patterns of PNF

Part II. The Stretches

Chapter 4. Stretches for the Lower Extremity

Chapter 5. Stretches for the Upper Extremity

Chapter 6. Stretches for the Neck and Torso

Part III. Beyond the Basics

Chapter 7. Combining Techniques to Release Fibrotic Tissue

Chapter 8. Stretching Routines for Specific Activities

Chapter 9. Routines for Common Soft Tissue Injuries

"Facilitated Stretching serves the elite athlete and the weekend warrior well. Bob McAtee has worked on my aches and pains a dozen or so times over the years. He's one of the finest!"

"Facilitated Stretching is an excellent contribution to the art and science of manual therapy. Bob McAtee provides a technically sound, easy-to-follow approach to therapeutic muscle stretching. I highly recommend it."

Textbook for massage therapy, athletic training, and other related courses; reference for sports medicine and fitness professionals, therapists, coaches, and athletes.