An active approach to therapy

Caleb Swartzendruber is trying to bring something new to Libby.

Swartzendruber just finished learning and practicing a technique known  as Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) in Florida, and three weeks ago he returned to run his own massage clinic in Libby: Swartz Therapy.

Through AIS, Swartzendruber is able to target specific muscles, without triggering the protective stretch reflex. He does this by stretching muscles for no longer than two seconds, which does not activate the stretch reflex in a person’s brain.

“People get amazing results with it, especially when you mix it with massage,” Swartzendruber said. “Its called ‘active’ for a reason, because people have to be active with you (the customer). You are re-training someones mind, basically.”

Swartzendruber learned AIS from seminars taught by Aaron Mattes, the creator of AIS. He also studied at the Florida Academy in Fort Myers, Fla., where he learned massage therapy techniques.

“I want to improve people’s quality of life,” he said. “I have had many cases where people come in and could barely move. But after a couple sessions, sometimes more, they are moving again and doing things they never thought they could do again.”

The act of stretching lengthens the tissues, Swartzendruber said. After an injury, the tissue wants to ball up, which causes pain due to nerves. Stretching it out gets blood flowing to the injured area and helps keep inflammation out.

One of Swartzendruber’s clients down in Florida was Mark Wetmiller, a 58-year-old drummer from Vermont.

Wetmiller said he went to Swartzendruber to build strength and stamina in his wrists, arms and shoulders.

“He taught me about stretching and developing my core,” Wetmiller said. “He was awesome to work with. He focused right in on my goals.”

Through stretching, the use of free weights, and floor exercises, Wetmiller said he feels like he has more stamina and energy when he plays the drums.

“I feel half my age,” Wetmiller said.

Swartzendruber moved to Florida after serving in the military for seven years, being deployed three times.

“I wanted to serve my country,” Swartzendruber said. “I wanted to get out of Libby and try new things and see new things.”

But after serving for seven years, and spending another year studying in Florida, it was time to return to Montana.

“I missed Libby. I love it here,” Swartzendruber said. “I missed the mountains, and hunting and fishing.”