Stretching for Functional Flexibility is a reference guide for the safe, effective, and efficient application of stretching exercises to improve range of motion and movement potential. Based on the most current research, this text is a valuable reference for physical, occupational and massage therapists, athletic trainers, fitness trainers, coaches, sports and orthopedic physicians, doctors of chiropractic, and many other professionals dealing with the health and performance of the musculoskeletal system. The text provides all of the information necessary to design and implement a safe and effective stretching program. A companion Website will offer the fully searchable text and an image bank for instructors.
Phil Armiger, MPT is a orthopedic physical therapist who specializes in biomechanics, movement analysis, and exercise prescription. He has a bachelors degree in exercise science from the University of Colorado, and a masters degree in physical therapy from Hahnemann (now Drexel) University in Philadelphia, PA. He was certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a strength and conditioning coach in 1996. He has served as a consultant to numerous fitness professionals at local athletic clubs since becoming a PT in 1994.
A lifelong addict to sports and exercise, Phil grew up playing baseball, basketball, and football and competed in each throughout high school. Afterwards he remained dedicated to physical fitness and became involved in running, biking, weight-training, hiking, climbing, kayaking, sailing, and skiing.
His work on "Strengthening for Functional Flexibility" began after a thorough review of the existing works on stretching in 1995. After extensive review by many talented professionals in the fields of athletic training, medicine, physical therapy, massage therapy, fitness, and the like, and thanks to the careful guidance of Lippincott Williams and Wilkins and their field of experts, became a reality in the spring of 2008.
Phil is an avid downhill, telemark, backcountry and cross-country skier and is presently the training director for the Outdoors For All Nordic (www.outdoorsforall.org) ski program and is teaching skiing for the Methow Valley Ski School in Washington State. He is also an active sailor, sea kayaker, hiker, and climber.
