Passive stretching

Passive stretching is a technique in which you are relaxed and make no contribution to the range of motion. Instead, an outside agent creates force, either manually or mechanically. Examples include using a towel, band, gravity or another person to help you stretch.

Active stretching

Active stretching is a method of enhancing flexibility, and increasing joint range of motion. In it, your own muscles provide resistance to stretch another muscle. It's performed by flexing a muscle opposite the target muscle and holding this position.