Stretching and the use of heat and ice are excellent therapeutic devices, used properly! Used improperly, however, they put you at risk for greater injury and a delay in the healing process you are seeking. Get to know these principles AND apply them.
These exercises should only be performed after evaluation by a qualified professional and under their instruction. Failure to properly ascertain the reasons for certain injuries or the causes of pain may lead to further injury if these exercises are performed.
Should you experience pain or discomfort while doing an exercise, stop immediately. Follow only the exercises that your doctor has recommended to avoid the potential of further injury.
1. Do not try to be flexible. Just learn to stretch properly and flexibility will come with time. Flexibility is only one of the many benefits of stretching.
2. Don’t stretch too far, especially in the beginning. Get a slight stretch and increase it after you feel yourself relax.
3. Breathe slowly, deeply, and naturally. Exhale as you bend forward. Do not stretch to a point where you cannot breathe normally.
4. Do not bounce. Bouncing tightens the very muscles you are trying to stretch. Stretch and hold most stretches for two to five seconds, adding time as you relax.
5. Do as many repetitions as you have time for and considering how much a muscle will be used in the activity you are preparing it for. Also, old injuries to a muscle may require extra attention.
6. Think about the area being stretched as you stretch it. Feel the stretch. If the tension becomes greater as you stretch, you are over-stretching. Ease off into a more comfortable position.
7. Muscles work in opposing pairs. As a muscle is contracted it automatically relaxes the muscle which moves the body in the opposite direction. So, contracting your hamstring muscles while you stretch your quadriceps, for example, may help you to get a better stretch.
8. Be sure to stretch both sides of the body.
9. Stretching should feel good, not hurt.
10. Never stretch a muscle you have just iced down. Allow it to warm for a good hour before stretching it. You may easily tear a muscle you try to stretch which is cold and tense.
And that’s not all…
OTHER THINGS TO BE AWARE OF:
- We are different every day. Some days we are a little more tight, other days a little more loose.
- You have control over what you feel by what you do (and don’t do).
- Regularity and relaxation are the most important factors in stretching. If you start stretching regularly, you will naturally become more fit and active.
- Don’t compare yourself with others. Even if you are tight and inflexible, don’t let this stop you from stretching and improving yourself.
- Proper stretching means stretching within your own limits, relaxed and without comparisons.
- Stretching keeps your body ready for movement.
- Stretch whenever you feel like it. It will always make you feel good.
- Stretching properly reduces the chances of injury and wear and tear on your joints.
- Stretching properly enhances your strength and athletic performance.
Disclaimer
Thank you for visiting the Levin and Chellen Chiropractic web page. Please note that the information located on our site is not intended to provide specific chiropractic advice. You should consult with a chiropractic doctor and not rely on any information contained herein regarding your specific condition. We welcome the receipt of electronic mail though not for making appointments, soliciting and sales, or inquiries which need immediate response. Please be advised, however, that the act of sending electronic mail to this office or to Dr. Sharon Levin, DC or Dr. Nels Chellen, DC does not alone create a physician-patient relationship. We will neither accept requests for chiropractic advice or treatment nor offer specific chiropractic advice over the internet. The information here is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice.
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