The Benefits of Stretching

We’re lucky to live in Ventura, CA. We can get out and still enjoy outdoor activities during the fall. Daily workouts, inactivity, or a sudden, careless movement can result in injuries to the spine. That’s why stretching is beneficial.

To help you prevent injuries, stretch after you get out and move. Or, if you are inactive, just taking 10 minutes to stretch can make a big difference in mobility. It’s not enough to build muscle. Flexibility is key to spine health. Stretching each day can help. Think about including yoga in your exercise routine.

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need to maintain a range of motion. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight.

Stretch after a workout

We believed stretching was necessary to warm up the muscles and prepare them for activity. However, research shows that stretching the muscles before they’re warmed up can hurt them. If you exercise first, you’ll get blood flow to the area, making the tissue more pliable and amenable.

• Stretching can improve posture.
• Stretching can improve the range of motion.
• Stretching can decrease back pain.
• Stretching can help prevent injury.
• Stretching can decrease muscle soreness.

Our body is full of muscles, and you don’t have to stretch every muscle in your body. The areas critical for mobility are in the lower part of our body: calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, and quadriceps in the front of the thigh. Stretching your shoulders, neck, and lower back is also beneficial. Aim for daily stretches or at least three or four times per week.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Peck if you are suffering from any body pain. He can assess your spine and offer a stretching program to fit your needs. He will also take the time to align your spine if needed.

Source