Three reasons why you need to start stretching

stretching

You’ve probably heard that you should stretch regularly. But actually doing stretches can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. One reason many people don’t make a point to stretch regularly is that they don’t know how beneficial it can be. Here are three benefits that should give you incentive to start stretching:

  1. Increases range of motion

One good reason why you should start stretching is it can improve your range of motion (ROM). How far your joints can move in all directions influences virtually every moment of the day. Arthritis or injury can hamper how far, and where, you can flex and extend your limbs and torso. Stretching can be an effective way to reduce the stiffening effects of such issues.

A medical study of stretching reports that it helped: 

  • Increase hamstring flexibility
  • Improve back ROM
  • Improve gait
  1. Improves circulation

Another reason you should start stretching is that it can help improve circulation. Stretching can reduce stress, but that isn’t the only reason it’s good for your heart and your musculoskeletal system. 

Tight muscles constrict available oxygen supply, essentially robbing themselves of the nutrients they need. Stretches help reverse this process. One research study found that doing five stretches for 60 seconds significantly improved vascular function. 

  1. Improves posture

A third reason you should start stretching is that it can improve your posture. Seated posture is a growing issue for many Americans. In fact, it’s reported that about 66% of young people have forward head posture. In turn, this type of poor posture can lead to issues like:

To combat this, stretches can stretch out tight muscles that are contributing to bad posture. In addition, they can help reduce the types of pain that poor posture can lead to. One study reports that an eight-week stretching program helped reduce neck pain by almost 39%. 

Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can help you start stretching

Of course, there are plenty of other reasons that you should start stretching. Many people enter a Zen-like state as they stretch. Others get a sense of pride from being more limber. 

When you’re ready to add stretches to your daily routine, consider getting started through physical therapy. Our Excel Sports & Physical Therapy team can walk you through the best ways to tackle your situation. Static or dynamic stretching? Pre- or post-activity stretching? Our physical therapists can help you learn the basics. 

Contact our team today for more information about our physical therapy services or to schedule an initial appointment.