The importance of Stretching
Do you experience frequent tightness in your muscles or a sudden restriction in your movement? That’s because your muscles are tense due to lack of stimulation and decreased blood circulation. The causes of this occurrence are endless, but there is one simple solution: stretching!
While it is commonly believed that stretching is only required while engaging in some sort of physically strenuous activity such as exercising, gyming, dancing, hiking, etc in reality, stretching is a necessity for every individual, however immobile an activity might be. For instance, sitting in a chair all day results in tight hamstrings in the back of the thigh, or constantly working on a screen stresses your shoulders, leading to severe soreness. The above mentioned issues can be dealt with simple stretching exercises. Besides that, stretching even twice a day can have these benefits:
- Wider Range of Motion:The ability to move a joint to its complete potential not only gives you exceptional freedom of movement but is also a sign of a healthy body. Stretching helps to increase your body’s range of motion.
- Increase Blood flow to the Muscles:Performing stretches improves blood circulation and, thereby, reduces the soreness in muscles and shortens recovery time.
- A great Stress-buster:While experiencing stress, the muscles often get tense or tighten up due to the physical and emotional response to a particular situation. This tension usually builds around your neck, shoulders, and upper back. But stretching can help loosen the stress, leading to a considerable drop in emotional distress as well.
- Can calm your mind:Not only does stretching increase flexibility, but it also puts your mind at ease since stretching requires attention and, therefore, acts as a mindfulness activity.
- Improves posture: Muscle imbalances are common and lead to poor posture. A recent study suggests that stretching regularly can reduce musculoskeletal pain and encourage proper alignment.
As important and non-negotiable as stretching is, it is important to remember “how” to practise various stretching forms. Not knowing the correct form of a particular stretch could lead to injury. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional. The right guidance to take care of your body and mind is the most important aspect and cannot be taken for granted at any point.
Here’s to being a stronger you, from within!
Reach out to us for expert guidance from our senior Physiotherapist at +91 70224 25881.