Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is a modality of stretching and strengthening developed by Aaron Mattes, MS, RKI, LMT. Nearly forty years ago, Aaron Mattes began to dissect movement and develop exercise protocols to increase flexibility and to strengthen specific muscle groups, individual muscles, and parts of those muscles. Over the years, his combination of flexibility and strengthening exercises have become systematic, progressive, and effective.

• Improves oxygenation and nutrition of myofascial structures promoting growth and repair
• Stimulates circulation and drainage of lymph, which helps eliminate metabolic wastes
• Improves flexibility and health of muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Breaks down the friction and "gluing" among fascial sheaths
• Separates fibrosis and breaks down adhesions that may result from trauma and inflammation
• Realigns collagen fibers
• Reduces muscle spasm
• Reduces risk of muscle strain and tears

The techniques can be done in a chair or on a table. The practitioner instructs the client in how to perform the stretches, which isolate and stretch specific muscles, gently and incrementally using multiple repetitions and deep breathing. After a session, one feels more flexible, relaxed, stronger, and more balanced. In addition, clients can learn AIS stretching and strengthening exercise protocols to do on their own.