Ask a PT Response: "Stretching should not be painful, but a mild discomfort could be experienced. Pressure and stress to a muscle should be slow and gradual if trying to achieve an increase in flexibility. Gymnastics is definitely a sport which demands greater flexibility among its participants. Without being able to analyze the entire situation and given all the details, I don't know if what the gymnastics coach is doing is appropriate or not given the situation. If you have concerns it may be a good idea to have further discussion with the coach."