Performance Notes by Big Burd: Why Stretching Isn’t Fixing You (And What Might)

For years, stretching has been the go-to recommendation for tight hips, stiff backs, and sore shoulders. But for many people, no matter how much they stretch, the tension keeps coming back. That’s because stretching—on its own—isn’t fixing the root of the problem.

When muscles feel tight, they’re often not short. They’re overworked, under-supported, or compensating for weakness elsewhere. What looks like tight hamstrings could be your glutes not firing. That nagging calf tension? Maybe it’s your hips or core. The solution isn’t more passive stretching—it’s targeted movement and activation to address the imbalance.

This is where corrective exercise comes in. By identifying what’s weak, restricted, or moving inefficiently, we can retrain the body to function as a unit. Mobility flows, band work, isometric holds, and motor control drills do more to restore functional range than static stretching ever could (NASM: National Academy of Sports Medicine; JOSPT: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy; NSCA SCJ: Strength and Conditioning Journal).

Stretching might feel good in the moment—but it’s a temporary fix for a deeper issue. Next week, I’ll walk you through the approach I actually use with clients: how we assess movement, what patterns we look for, and the exercises that lead to long-term relief. If you’ve been stretching but still feel stuck—don’t miss it.