169. Beyond stretching: How to create lasting flexibility. Physio Edge Running repairs podcast with Tom Goom
Mar 29, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Tom Goom, a UK-based physiotherapist specializing in running injuries, reveals why static stretching isn’t the answer for lasting flexibility. He shares insights on the importance of muscle fascicle length and introduces eccentric loading as a game changer for flexibility and injury prevention. The conversation covers effective exercises, such as the Nordic hamstring curl, and strategies to maintain flexibility gains over time. Health professionals will find plenty of practical, research-backed tips for enhancing athlete performance!
Static stretching offers minimal long-term flexibility gains, highlighting the need for more effective methods like eccentric loading exercises.
Eccentric exercises, such as Nordic curls, promote both muscle length and strength, proving beneficial for flexibility and injury prevention.
Deep dives
The Limitations of Static Stretching
Static stretching, commonly utilized to improve flexibility, is shown to have minimal long-term effects on muscle length. Research indicates that the results from static stretches may only last a short duration, often just 20 to 30 minutes. Furthermore, engaging in static stretches can lead to a temporary loss of strength and power, which can negatively impact athletic performance. This insight highlights the need for more effective methods to enhance flexibility in athletes and patients.
Eccentric Loading for Lasting Flexibility
Eccentric loading is presented as a superior alternative for creating lasting improvements in flexibility. Unlike static stretching, eccentric exercises promote both muscle strength and length by enhancing the fascicle length, which is crucial for preventing injuries, particularly hamstring strains. Research has shown that implementing eccentric training programs can lead to significant flexibility gains, especially in lower limb muscles. These findings suggest that physiotherapists should focus on incorporating eccentric loading exercises, like Nordic curls, into their treatment plans for optimal results.
Tailored Exercise Approaches
A variety of exercises, including the Nordic hamstring curl and supine leg curl, are recommended for effective eccentric loading. These exercises not only target flexibility improvement but also support muscle strength development, making them suitable for athletes with different capabilities. The Nordic curl is particularly effective but may be challenging for some, which is why alternative methods, such as the supine leg curl, are suggested for easier execution. By curating personalized exercise regimens, therapists can support patients in achieving and maintaining their flexibility goals over time.
Static stretching has long been used to improve flexibility, but research shows its effects are often short-lived. So how can you help patients achieve lasting improvements? In this episode, Tom Goom (Running Physio) explores exercises you can provide to patients to increase muscle fascicle length, improve flexibility, and reduce injury risk. You’ll discover:
Why static stretching alone may not create long-term flexibility gains
Exercises to improve muscle length and function
Key training parameters for effective flexibility training
Strategies to maintain flexibility improvements over time If you’re a physiotherapist or health professional looking for research-backed flexibility strategies, this episode is packed with practical insights!
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