Pro Stretch Calf Stretcher

If you have tight calves and do an Internet search on how to stretch effectively, there is a good chance you will see an advertisement for a product called Pro Stretch. Pro Stretch, manufactured by the company Medi-Dyne, is described as “The No. 1 preferred lower leg stretching device by professional athletes, trainers, and physical therapists world wide.” The Pro Stretch has sold well received a lot of hype, yet the jury is still out regarding its effectiveness.

  1. Calf Anatomy

    • You calves are made up of two primary muscles -- the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Both muscles attach at your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel and travel up the back of your lower leg. The gastrocnemius attaches above your knee joint and controls plantar flexion -- pointing your foot downward -- and helps with knee flexion. The soleus attaches below the knee and aids only in plantar flexion. The soleus is a deeper muscle; it sits behind the gastrocnemius. Because these muscles attach at different points, you should stretch them differently. When stretching the gastrocnemius your knee should be straight. To stretch the soleus your knee must be bent.

    How To Use

    • The Pro Stretch is designed with a half circle, which is in contact with the floor, and a contoured platform on top of which your foots sits. Stepping into the Pro Stretch takes some getting used to. Because the half circle is in contact with the floor it will easily rock back and forth. Standing in the Pro Stretch with good posture, rock your heels back until you feel a stretch in your calves. This stretch can be completed with straight or bent knees to focus on each calf muscle.

    Supportive Research

    • The Pro Stretch has received positive research that backs up Medi-Dyne’s claims that the Pro Stretch is very effective. A study from the University of Tennessee at the Chattanooga Department of Physical Therapy tested the Pro Stretch against a 22 degree incline board designed to stretch calves. Subjects’ ankle range of motion was measured before and after to determine which device was more effective at stretching calves. Their research showed the Pro Stretch was far more effective than stretching on an incline board. This study was done on healthy elderly women and the results showed the Pro Stretch as being nearly twice as effective as stretching on an incline board.

    Negative Research

    • Although the Pro Stretch is extremely popular in fitness and physical therapy, there are those that do not support Medi-Dyne’s claims. A study from the “University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Journal of Undergraduate Research” found that the Pro Stretch was not more effective than stretching on an incline board. This study used college-aged male and female subjects. At the end of the study subjects who stretched on an incline board had the same range of motion as those who used the Pro Stretch.

    Considerations

    • Always consult your medical provider before starting an exercise or stretching program. If your doctor clears you for exercise, seek out a qualified physical therapist, chiropractor or personal trainer. Someone who has experience using the Pro Stretch will be able to tell you if they feel it would be a logical tool for you to use. Many physical therapy clinics, chiropractic offices and gyms have a Pro Stretch you can try to see if you like it.