6 Ways Stretching can Improve your Health and Wellness

Stretching is a critical part of movement science. It should be a part of everyone’s routine. Stretching helps

1. Improve Flexibility
   1. This is a given. Stretching exercises improve muscle length resulting in ease of movements at the joints. Stretching reduces muscle tightness, restores optimal muscle length and reduces the energy/effort required in your daily movements.
2. Prevent Injuries
   1. Stretching restores muscle length and improves muscle movements. As a result, it reduces risk of injuries. Sudden position changes require your muscle to react quickly and lengthen. If you are not flexible, the muscles will not respond as they should resulting in strains and tears.  
3. Increase Energy levels
   1. It is important to spare some time during the day to focus on stretching. Stretching exercises with breathing improves oxygen flowing through your body, reduces muscle guarding and tightness which, in turn, makes you feel lighter and energetic.
4. Increases stamina
   1. Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles. As nutrient and oxygen rich blood flows to the muscles, it facilitates healing. As a result, it improves your workout performance. It is imperative to add stretching as a part of your regular cool down post-workout routine.
5. Improves Posture
   1. Stretching helps restore muscle balance. Focusing stretching exercises on tight muscles restores its length and restores balance between different groups of muscles. As a result, your movements are lighter and easier and your body can maintain proper posture. For example, if you are sitting for long periods of time, your neck, pecs, hamstrings, and back muscles can get tight. If not addressed this tightness can lead to muscle imbalance resulting in pain.
6. Reduces Stress
   1. Stress results in increased muscle tightness and stiffness. Stretching involves moving. Movement increases blood flow throughout the body and releases endorphins. As this nutrient and oxygen rich blood circulates it replenishes the muscles and together with the endorphins improves mood.

If you are not sure what stretches are correct for you or how to do the stretches, reach out to us on 212-706-7480 or info@physisrehab.com or www.physisrehab.com and we can develop a tailored plan to target your limitations and alleviate pain.