How does stretching affect your muscles, and what are the benefits of stretching?
Whether you exercise consistently or not, stretching is very important for your overall health. Regular stretching activities improve the mobility of your muscles, and make the execution of daily tasks much easier.
Studies have shown that incorporating stretching activities in your everyday routine is not only beneficial to your body but also to your mind. It helps warm up your body for any aerobic activity, and as a result, decreased injury risk and muscle soreness.
What Is Stretching?
Stretching is the deliberate lengthening of your muscles or tendons in order to improve the flexibility of the muscles and support the full movement of your joints. The effect is feeling an increase in muscle flexibility, control, and relaxation.
Stretching exercises are an essential part of any rehabilitation program, and they are beneficial to everyone: whether you are young or elderly.
As you age, however, your muscles tend to grow stiff, limiting your ability to move freely and easily. Over time, small, manageable tasks, such as dressing, tying your shoes or walking for long become quite difficult.
At Oklahoma Physical Therapy, we are here to help. Our personalized stretching programs are used to improve your flexibility, relieve pain, and restore their healthier lifestyles.
What Are the Benefits of Stretching?
Stretching exercises have many benefits that include the following:
- Increased flexibility, power, and range of motion
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved blood circulation to all your muscles
- Improved posture
- Enhanced coordination and balance
- Stress relief
Know When to See a Doctor
If you have an injury or an underlying chronic condition, it’s a sign you’ve pushed yourself too far and you probably need help from a professional. Talk to us and let us handle your health concerns taking you through the most appropriate stretching techniques.