Is Your Range of Motion Out of Whack?
By Sandy Schroeder
Range of motion can be sneaky. When you get up in the morning, and bend down to get your slippers, or reach way up in the cabinet, your body might send you a message like, “Sorry! Out of Service!”
Before you panic, see your chiropractor to find out what is going on. Range of motion stiffness, soreness and tightness need answers. To get back to normal routines, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. The Joint’s licensed chiropractors are well equipped to help.
See Your Chiropractor
When you come in, your chiropractor will want to hear about your lifestyle, health history, and current problems with flexibility and range of motion.
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may be the starting point to improve spinal health and relieve pain. Wellness is unique to the individual. You may experience far-reaching pain relief, and an overall sense of well-being. However it works for you, the next step will be to help you improve your range of motion, which determines how far you can move a joint.
Stretching exercises can help extend range of motion. Everybody needs to stretch to maintain mobility, according to David Nolan, physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
Nolan said, "A lot of people don't understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily. If you do not stretch, muscles can shorten, tighten and weaken, leading to joint pain, strain and muscle damage."
If you sit in front of a computer all day, the hamstrings in the back of the thigh can tighten, making it tough to extend the leg and walk normally. Daily stretching keeps muscles long and limber for action at home, work or on the tennis court.
Check with your doctor before beginning new exercises, then look for the right stretching routine. Never bounce during a stretch, which can cause injury. As you stretch there will be muscle tension. If you feel pain, stop and talk to your doctor and chiropractor to avoid injury.
Consider using the hamstring stretch from Harvard Health
- Sit on the floor with legs in front of you
- Slide hands down legs until there is a burning sensation
- Hold for 30 seconds, slowly return to a sitting position.
Stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to learn more. Affordable personal healthcare plans require no insurance. Weekend and evening hours are available, and walk-in visits are welcome. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbus, Ga.