[jmills]

Cory, according to everything I've read about this type of stretching (and different folks have been preaching about it for years) is that it actually stretches the fascia around the muscle. Imagine a balloon made of pigskin that your muscle sits within...thats the fascia, not a great analogy but its all i got right now. The theory is that the fascia is so strong and tough that it will limit the muscles ability to grow. But stretching the way they describe it in Doggcrapp hurts like hell, and opens you up to potentially hurting yourself if you are not very careful.
Personally, I think as long as you are careful and mindfull of stretching your more vulnerable joints (shoulders, knees, wrists) in a very controlled and methodical way you will see all kinds of benefits to incorporating a good stretching routine into your overall workout program. I've been invloved in martial arts for many years, and even though I hate stretching (some people seem like they come to love it...thats not me), I see so much benefit to being flexible that stretching is just part of my deal.