Have you ever wondered what the effects and benefits of stretching are? As a Sports Massage Therapist, I am constantly utilising stretching for my clients - whether it is during their treatment session (as facilitated stretching), or as home-care advice. But, why do we place such an emphasis on stretching?
Mental relaxation
Did you know that stretching helps to relieve stress? Just think of a Yoga class - who can't help but relax there? Tight muscles often accompany stress. Stretching is very good for relaxation.
Muscular relaxation
We all know that stretching can help reduce muscular tension. Tight muscles can be released and regular function restored.
Increased flexibility
Flexibility can be improved and the range of movement around a joint, or a series of joints, can be increased.
Improved posture
Regular stretching can help prevent muscles getting tight, allowing you to maintain a better posture. Good posture reduces the likelihood of aches and pains. Our muscles anchor our bones and hold our skeletal system in place. It is therefore important to ensure that certain muscle groups are not overly tight.
Prevention of back pain
If one muscle group is tight, it often leads to another group having increased flexibility, or for compensation to be created for the lack of flexibility. This can lead to long-term damage. Inflexibility can increase the stresses placed on the lower back. Did you know that tight hamstrings could tilt the hips backwards and contribute to lower back pain?
Improved fitness
Flexibility can often be a neglected component of fitness. Flexibility can improve performance through better coordination, mobility and balance.
Relief of muscle soreness
Stretching increases the circulation and blood flow to the muscles. It helps bring nourishment to and get rid of waste materials from muscle tissue. This improved circulation can shorten injury recovery time.
Relief of cramp
Cramp is the involuntary spasm of muscles. Cramp can be caused by lack of oxygen to muscle tissue, dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. After hydration and electrolyte replenishment, gentle stretching and light massage can help relieve the symptoms.
Improved motor skills
Coordination and movement are facilitated by the free movement of muscles and nerve pathways through stretching.
Prevention of injury
If your joints can not go through their full range of motion because of muscle tightness, physical activity can put an excessive load on the tissue and contribute to injury.
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| Seated forward stretch |
To recap stretching reduces the likelihood of injuries, it can speed up recovery from certain injuries, it assists with training recovery and it optimises the function of muscle tissue. This list is not exhaustive.
Please contact me for more details and join us at LSM for updates and offers. That's all from me for now!
