5 Reasons to Stretch

Stretching is important - Many exercise-related injuries occur because muscles and tendons have become tight and joints such as the shoulder and knee have lost their full mobility.

Have you ever looked at an infant in awe of their ability to move in ways most of us would give
anything to be able to do? Grabbing hold of their little feet and stretching them to their mouth just to nibble on those toes.

Did you know...that stretching is a natural activity. How often have you woken up out of bed and stretched instinctively or after traveling long distances in the car?
Most people do not even realize that stretching is actually a form of exercise.
Stretching involves elongating a specific muscle or muscle group to its fullest potential.

Some of the benefits of stretching include:
#1 - To alleviate lower back pain.
Stretching your back muscles will alleviate pain.
Stiff and tight muscles in the lower back, hamstrings, hips and buttocks is one of the more common causes of lower back pain.

#2 – Improve cardiovascular health.
Recent studies have found that stretching can improve artery function and lower blood pressure. Imagine something as simple as stretching can improve your heart health.

#3 – Definitely increases flexibility.
Flexibility is the degree to which an individual muscle will lengthen, but be careful, don’t overdo it. Trying to do too much can result in muscle strains or tears. This must be done slowly and correctly. Lack of flexibility causes your movement to become slower and less fluid and makes you more susceptible to muscle strains, ligament sprains and other soft tissue injuries.

#4 - Improves circulation.
Stretching will increase blood flow to the muscles. This increased blood flow brings more nourishment to the muscles and removes more waste byproducts from the muscles. Increased blood flow can also help speed up recovery from muscle and joint injuries.

#5 -  Improves balance and coordination.

Stretching improves balance and coordination and improved balance and coordination lowers your risk for falls.
Don't overlook the benefits of stretching. 

Make sure that stretching is a regular part of your fitness program.

Dr. Scott Mawhiney can give you specific exercise routines to help you. Give the staff at River City Chiropractic a call today. They will be glad to get you on the path to a healthier pain free lifestyle..River City Chiropractic - 224 N. Poindexter Rd. Elizabeth City, NC  27909  

(252) 335.7709

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