Is stretching part of your wellness routine? If it’s not, you may want to consider adding it. Stretching offers numerous health benefits, including pain relief and improved flexibility.
Read on to learn more about the many perks of consistent stretching!
How Does Stretching Improve Flexibility?
Stretching boosts flexibility and improves range of motion by training the nervous system to extend further. Over time, you’ll feel less resistance and gain the ability to stretch more deeply. As your muscles gain flexibility, your joints will also gain mobility, leading to less tension with day-to-day movements.
Greater flexibility can:
- Boost your athletic performance
- Reduce your risk of injuries and falls
- Improve your balance and stability
- Improve your posture
- Promote efficient movement patterns
Stretching for Pain Relief
As part of a well-rounded treatment plan, stretching can provide lasting relief by:
- Reducing muscle tension: Stretching reduces muscle tension, helping to reduce pain and achiness.
- Boosting circulation: Stretching increases blood circulation throughout the body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to inflamed tissues, helping to alleviate pain.
- Preventing lactic acid buildup: Lactic acid can accumulate in your muscles after physical activity, causing muscle aches, soreness, cramps, and fatigue. Stretching helps reduce lactic acid buildup, helping you bounce back faster after intense workouts.
- Releasing endorphins: Stretching stimulates the release of endorphins, which are “feel-good” brain chemicals with natural pain-relieving properties.
Start Your Stretching Routine
If you’re new to stretching, start by adding it to the end of your workouts. It’s best to stretch when you’re warm to prevent overextending the muscles. Aim to hold the stretch for 10 to 30 seconds, making sure to breathe deeply, and always stop if it hurts.
Reach out to the team at Hernando Orthopaedic today for personalized treatments for chronic pain, including sports medicine services and lifestyle changes.