Some people believe that stretching is an unimportant part of exercising. This couldn’t be further from the truth. According to physical therapists, stretching is a vital aspect of one’s daily routine, whether you’re exercising that day or not.
Stretching is also an essential component of physical therapy. Targeted stretches are included in almost every physical therapy treatment plan. Stretching is beneficial to everyone, from athletes who want to improve their technique to seniors who want to get rid of chronic aches and pains.
Stretching not only improves flexibility, but it is also a natural way to relieve pain and make any subsequent physical therapy treatments go more smoothly. Call Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy in Springfield, PA today for more information regarding consultations if you want to learn more about the benefits of incorporating stretching into your life!
5 of the Many Health Benefits of Stretching
1. Stretching helps prevent injuries
The likelihood of injury increases when muscles are tight or tense. This occurs because that particular part of your body isn’t working at its peak performance, even though you might be. Stretching loosens up your muscles while also increasing range of motion and improving balance, all factors that contribute to injury prevention.
All of these characteristics can save you from making the kinds of mistakes that contribute to injury, such as landing too hard on one foot, twisting your back too far, or falling due to a loss of balance.
2. Stretching helps boost circulation.
Stretching can help you relax, but it also has cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits. Stretching is beneficial to almost every aspect of your physical ability. Muscles require sufficient oxygen and nutrients in order to perform well. Stretching ramps up blood flow and transports oxygen and nutrients.
Tight muscles reduce the amount of oxygen available to the body, depriving it of essential nutrients. Stretching aids in the reversal of the process. If you stretch frequently, you will benefit from increased blood flow to your joints and throughout your body.
3. Stretching enhances joint range of motion.
Stretching specific exercises before working out allows your muscles to reach their full range of motion. It also helps to build muscle. As a result, stretching is a major focus during physical therapy.
Stretching also assists your body in moving with greater ease. Stretching improves muscular coordination and allows for more dynamic movement. Some physical therapy sessions concentrate on a muscle group rather than a single muscle for stretching.
4. Stretching naturally enhances athletic performance.
This is particularly true for athletes. The more you condition your muscles, joints, and ligaments, the better your athletic performance will be.
Bodybuilders, for example, recover from reps considerably faster when they stretch as a cool-down. Golfers can extend their reach by expanding their hips and shoulder range of motion. If you’re an athlete, stretching can make a big difference in your results.
5. Finally, increased energy levels are a benefit of stretching.
Increased circulation boosts energy levels. Learning how to stretch correctly will lead to a more active lifestyle. “According to results of a new systematic review, moderate-grade evidence seems to support strengthening and stretching exercises to help ease chronic neck pain.”
Types of Stretching Exercises You May Encounter in Physical Therapy
Stretching involves stretching connective tissue, a muscle or a tendon. Stretching is used to increase range of motion, flexibility, and muscle elasticity. The following are the five most common stretching exercises:
- Dynamic
- Static
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
- Low Load
- Ballistic
A rapid bouncing motion is used in ballistic stretch physical therapy to stretch a muscle. When a physical therapist uses dynamic stretching, different stretching speeds and distances are utilized. These movements are performed in a slow and controlled manner. Torso swings, arm swings, and leg swings are a few examples.
Stretching the muscle and holding it for a few seconds is the goal of static stretch physical therapy. Holding and controlling techniques are used in PNF to activate specific receptors in muscles. This technique lengthens muscles and reduces muscle tension. The low load stretching technique involves gradually increasing tension to improve connective tissue remodeling.
Start Stretching to Improve Your Health; Give Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy a Call Today!
A physical therapist will recommend the best stretching exercises for your specific condition and incorporate them into your treatment plan. They will also give you exercises to do at home. Stretching exercises such as groin stretches, quadriceps stretches, knee stretches, calf stretches, and others may be included.
Your physical therapist will also show you how to do simple stretches at home with a towel. Knee stretches are popular among people of all ages. This is due to the fact that knee injuries are common as a result of overuse or athletic injuries.
Stretching should be a part of your daily routine and a physical therapist can ensure you’re moving safely and productively. Once you start stretching, you’ll feel better, perform better, and avoid injury. Contact Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy today to schedule your initial consultation and start living healthier!
