Product Review: ProStretch Single Stretching Device

Posted on August 22, 2007
Filed Under Injuries & Prevention, Product & Gear Reviews, Stretch & Strengthen |

prostretch-fs.jpgThe ProStretch Single stretching tool is a low-tech, simple to use, kick-ass piece of plastic . You place your foot on it and either roll it forward or backward to stretch the muscles of the lower leg. If you roll your toes toward the floor you stretch the anterior muscles near the shin. If you roll your heel towards the floor (toes up) you stretch the calf muscles.

It sounds simple enough, but there are a variety of ways to use this tool to access different muscles. For example, if you stretch your calf while standing you will lengthen the gastrocnemius muscles (these are the most superficial). If you sit down and your knee is bent to at least 90 degrees and then stretch your calf you will be able to access the soleus muscle. Soleus is a deeper calf muscle that is extremely important. It is the primary muscle responsible for bringing blood back to your heart from the lower legs. Soleus is often the culprit in a lot of “calf pain” scenarios, so keeping it healthy and stretched should be a priority.

An often missed benefit of the ProStretch is that you can turn it sideways and use the rolling action to stretch the peroneal muscles on the outside of your lower leg and tibialis posterior muscle on the inside.

The ProStretch comes in single and double models; but I prefer the single. I think it is important to stretch one leg at a time, otherwise there can be a compensation issue if one is stronger or tighter than the other. I also think the single model is easier to maneuver for the “sideways” stretches.

I honestly cannot think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from using this stretching tool.

~Kerren Lynch-Gallagher

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