The advantages that come from regular stretching make it a popular method in physical therapy; but did you know that spending just a few minutes every day doing gentle stretches can greatly improve your health as well as providing a host of other benefits?

What Are the Advantages of Stretching?

1. Heals & Prevents Back Pain

Severe back pain can cause missed days at work and even disability, not to mention what it can do to your quality of life. Stretching will increase the range of motion and flexibility in your hamstrings, hip flexors, and other muscles attached to your pelvis to relieve pressure on your lower spine and reduce the chances of back pain.

If you are stretching regularly and still experiencing back pain, physical therapy might be a helpful treatment option.

2. Improves Flexibility

An increase in flexibility can help to slow down reduced mobility as you age. As your flexibility improves, you may notice everyday tasks, such as getting up from a chair, yard work, and vacuuming are easier to perform.  Active Isolated Stretching is one method that helps muscles regain a full range of motion.

3. Makes Exercise Easier

Stretch dynamically (movements required for the activity but at a lower intensity) prior to going for a walk, run, or swim. Warming your muscles for exercise will increase your performance. Flexible joints take less energy to move, making your movements easier and more fluid. Also, by stretching dynamically you help your muscle get ready for the activity by improving coordinated movement.

4. Reduces the Risk of Injury

When your muscles are more flexible, they are less likely to strain or tear when making sudden movements. Whether it’s whiplash from a car accident or a muscle tear from tripping over something in your home, proper stretching and physical therapy may reduce your risk of injury.

Since 2003, the professionals at Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy in High Point, NC, have been using a combination of massage and physical therapy to help their patients achieve wellness. Physical therapist and massage therapist Malia Grimes and massage therapist Tonya Younts offer individualized treatment plans to help relieve your lower back pain, reduce spasms, cramping, migraine pain, and improve range of motion and flexibility. Visit their website or call (336) 906-2040 to make an appointment.