Neural Hygiene

Decreased hamstring flexibility is pervasive amongst athletes and likely one of a multitude of factors predisposing the individual to muscular strains. Tackling the issue therefore calls for a multifaceted approach certainly focusing on the potential root cause(s), e.g.: modification of technique, strengthening the glutei, improving a warm-up routine, less sitting, etc. Likewise, a specific protocol is needed to address reduced flexibility. Not to be overlooked, hamstring flexibility, in part, relates to the sensitivity of the neural tissue in the vertebral canal, glute, thigh & posterior leg. An intervention of stretching may not necessarily be changing the mechanical properties of the muscles targeted, but perhaps affecting the perception of tension or discomfort. Reducing mechanosensitivity may be achieved through traditional static stretching, however a recent study by de Ridder et al. (2020) demonstrated a neurodynamic slider (a.k.a., flossing) approach was significantly more efficient post a 6-week intervention (p < 0.001), as well after a 4-week follow up (p = 0.001). The movement involves stressing the neural tissue proximally while releasing it distally & then reversing it, i.e., releasing it proximally & stressing it distally. If you’re hoping for rapid gains in hamstring flexibility, try practicing good neural hygiene & start flossing!