Aaron L. Mattes Creator of Active Isolated Stretching

Aaron Mattes is the creator of Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), a flexibility and rehabilitation method used by healthcare professionals, athletic trainers, massage therapists, and athletes worldwide.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from University of Wisconsin–Superior in 1970 and a Master of Science with an emphasis in Kinesiology and Kinesiotherapy from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1972. From 1970 to 1976, he served as pitching coach for the university’s baseball team.

Over a career spanning more than 45 years, Mattes accumulated more than 250,000 hours of experience in sports participation, rehabilitation, athletic training, sports medicine, adapted physical education, health instruction, and injury prevention. He is a registered kinesiotherapist, a licensed massage therapist, and has been affiliated with numerous professional organizations, including the American Kinesiotherapy Association, American Massage Therapy Association, Florida State Massage Therapy Association, Association of Medical Rehabilitation Administrators, and the National Rehabilitation Association.

Throughout his career, Mattes lectured internationally at sports medicine clinics, medical conferences, and massage therapy conventions. He has provided continuing education for physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, nurses, personal trainers, strength coaches, and other healthcare professionals. As a consultant, he has worked with sports organizations, schools, and professional athletes, rehabilitating thousands of patients, including Olympic and professional athletes, entertainers, and public officials.

Mattes co-authored Pre-Condition, Re-Condition, Re-Habilitation and Nutrition Therapy for Massage and Physical Therapy Patients. He also authored several books on stretching, including Active Isolated Stretching: The Mattes Method, which helped establish AIS as a recognized approach to improving flexibility and supporting rehabilitation.

He is known for developing treatment techniques used in managing pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction, as well as rehabilitation associated with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, post-polio syndrome, spinal cord injuries, spinal disorders, and joint replacement recovery.

Today, Aaron Mattes is retired from private clinical practice and teaches seminars on Active Isolated Stretching in Sarasota.