Which type of stretching is generally avoided due to injury risk?

• A. Dynamic stretching
• B. Static stretching
• C. Ballistic stretching
• D. Passive stretching

Answer: (C)

Ballistic stretching is avoided because its bouncing, rapid movements push a muscle beyond its comfortable length in a forceful way. That quick, jerky lengthening can trigger the stretch reflex, causing the muscle to contract instead of relax, which raises the chance of strains, pulls, or other injuries—especially when muscles aren’t warmed up or when momentum carries the limb too far. In contrast, dynamic stretching uses controlled, moving motions to safely increase range of motion for a warm-up, static stretching involves holding a stretch in a lengthened position after activity, and passive stretching uses external pressure or assistance but is performed with careful control. So the injury risk associated with the abrupt, ballistic approach is why it’s generally avoided.