I have been stretching for years and I still can't touch my toes.
I stretch to help my recovery between workouts.
I stretch lots but I don't notice much improvement.
I stretch but the changes I make don't last.
Does this sound like you?
 
Stretching addresses tension in the muscle-tendon unit by lengthening short and tight muscles. There are several different factors that can affect joint range of motion and hinder performance.
- Short and tight muscles 
- Myofascial trigger points 
- Soft tissue restriction 
- Joint capsule restriction 
- Motor control problems 
- Joint range of motion dysfunction 
- Neural dynamic issues 
These can be complex issues that require identification and analysis by a Health Professional. However, there are two areas that I regularly teach patients to deal with at home:
- Soft tissue restrictions 
- Joint capsule restrictions 
       Soft tissue restrictions can be treated with a form of myofascial release; foam rolling, massage, dry needling, acupuncture or cupping. These modalities all have their pro's and con's but in different ways, they all alter the state of muscles and fascia. They reduce muscular tension and an improve the ability for fascia to slide and glide.