FAQ – The One Stretch™ Product
What are the advantages of the One Stretch over other methods or stretching devices?
Simplicity: The One Stretch is a product born out of five years of development, and the value it offers is in the simplicity of the device. Because of the curved surface, you can carefully manage the intensity of your stretch, and it is easy to use for all ages, conditioning and levels of coordination.
Variable intensity: Infinite stretching positions; patented radius stretching surface; you can dial in the intensity of your stretch to what you want.
Arch Support– Supporting your arch while you stretch is essential. This support makes the One Stretch safer and your feet feel better. No other product or method provides support for your arches while you stretch your calves like the One Stretch.
Isolates the stretch to get the best passive stretch right where you need it; the calf, and particularly the gastrocnemius or upper part of the calf. If you are going to spend the time stretching, you might as well do it the best way possible.
Pure passive stretch: The more passive the stretch, the better. This means you are relaxed and the stretch is basically done without any effort on your part. Other devices require your efforts, mentally and physically, to maintain balance and to hold onto something to secure yourself, which reduces your ability to obtain a passive stretch.
Back support: The One Stretch is designed so that your back, down to your buttocks, is supported against the wall while you stretch, which gives you the most relaxed passive stretch (see above). Other stretching methods and devices (such as a slant board or stairs) require you to balance your body with no back support. Having your back against the wall also reduces stress on your knees and your lower back. Lastly, it frees your hands so you can read the paper, watch TV, or drink your coffee while stretching.
Creates Compliance because you are not looking at stairs or a wall, and it is so easy to use, you are much more likely to actually do the calf stretching you need to do. In addition there is the “see it, use it” effect, therefore you are very likely to do your calf stretches owning the One Stretch.
Safety. You can precisely control the intensity of your calf stretch using the “dial-in intensity”. Also, the device itself is very safe in its stability and the method of use. It features non-slip rubber feet on the bottom. There is no need to balance on a rocker device, which can be unsafe, not to mention, unsettling.
Designed by a foot & ankle orthopaedic surgeon who has been advocating and refining “definitive” calf stretching for 27 years for his own patients. Now he brings it to everyone.
Stretch both calves at same time, or one at a time if you have a lot of time to spare, or the other limb is injured.
Independent intensity:Â not every pair of calves is tight to the same degree, so you can stretch one more intensely than the other as needed, both at the same time.
How do I begin stretching?
Dr. Amis, in his more than a quarter century of practice as an orthopaedic surgeon, has developed a protocol for using the One Stretch that offers a graduated approach to achieving true pain relief, because you are addressing the cause, while maintaining maximum safety. See Stretching Protocol
Dr. Amis’ recommended Protocol:Â
- Find your starting point based on your age, fitness level and health status. The optimal stretching time is ultimately three minutes, three times per day, every day.
- Do the stretching in one session. Think of it as doing three sets, three minutes each set. After each set is completed, take a brief rest, and then on to the next timed set. Complete all three sets and you are finished for the day.
- A light to moderate stretch that you feel in your calf is as good as a hard intense stretch.
- Be patient! It could take anywhere from a few days to a few months before you start to feel relief.
Where can I purchase the One Stretch?
How long does it take for calf stretching to work?
Why can the stretching take time?
Why should I stretch 3 minutes, 3 times per day on the One Stretch?
I have heard static stretching is not good for me, and that it can even result in muscle weakness?
This is true when referring to pre-exercise/sport or warm up stretching. The current recommendation is to perform dynamic stretching prior to exertion. I agree with this research and these recommendations. However, the lay press is currently hot on this subject and they do a poor job of distinguishing between static stretching and dynamic stretching.
Generally speaking, the take away from most of the articles is the idea that “stretching is bad for you”, unless you sort of read between the lines. The stretching that we are referring to is taking a muscle, the calf muscle in this case, that is too short and over time restoring it to its original intended length. Only static stretching can achieve this. Dynamic stretching prior to excise will slightly elongate a muscle, however if that muscle is chronically and pathologically too short to begin with it will remain too short even as you exercise.
I had plantar fasciitis and it went away, so do I still need to stretch?
Can I stretch more than the protocol suggests? Since it takes a while for the stretching to work, would stretching longer or harder work faster?
How far should the One Stretch be placed away from the wall?
Can I stretch on the OS facing the wall?
Should I wear shoes to stretch?
Would it be better to stretch 3 separate times per day; morning, afternoon and night?
What do the numbers 1-4 stand for on the One Stretch?
What do the numbers 1-4 stand for on the One Stretch?
I have been on the One Stretch just a few days and my pain has gotten worse?
Good! That means you are actually using it. Usually this pain is a sign that you are doing the right thing. You wouldn’t question muscle soreness after going to the fitness center. Both are almost always temporary.
However, in a few cases this could be a sign that you are stretching too hard. If you think this is a possibility, just move back a number and lower your stretch intensity until you feel comfortable. If there are any concerns consult your physician.
Is there an incorrect way to place my foot on the One Stretch?
Yes! You want the contact on the bottom of your foot to be centered in the arch area with less contact on the heel and out at the end towards the toes or ball of your foot. This stretching contact is the safest for the foot and it creates the best possible calf stretch. Placing the front of your foot on the One Stretch is like hanging off a step, which produces more pressure on the toes/metatarsal area, and gives an inferior stretch, while placing unnecessary strain on your arch.