Chiropractic Tip - Stretch Your Range of Motion
By Sandy Schroeder
Wherever you are in the age spectrum, you could probably use more flexibility. If you feel stiff in the morning and have to stretch to reach the top shelf, you may want to add stretching to your fitness routine. Regain the limberness you used to enjoy with regular stretching that helps muscles become longer and more flexible.
- Improve range of motion
- Improve posture
- Reduce risk for muscle and joint injury
- Reduce back and joint pain
- Improve balance to avoid falling
Get Some Chiropractic Assistance
At the same time add an effective wellness support group like The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. The Joint’s doctors of chiropractic help people of all ages zero in on fitness.
When you come in, your chiropractor will assess your flexibility, discuss any pain that you have, and review your health history. Focusing on spinal health, your chiropractor may use a gentle targeted adjustment to ease aches and pains and create an overall sense of well-being. The spine encases the central nervous system that makes everything we do possible. When the spine is working well we may be, too.
Weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may be the next step to stay at your peak, and improve flexibility. You and your doctor and chiropractor may form a team to create a new stretching program and monitor the results.
A stretching program can cover the hamstrings, calves, hip flexors in the pelvis, shoulder, neck and lower back muscles, and quadriceps in the front of the thigh. Try to stretch every day -- or at least three or four times a week.
Stretching Warmups
Harvard doctors recommend warming up the muscles before starting a stretching routine to make the muscles more pliable and avoid injury. Dynamic stretches set the stage for static stretches. Rolling the shoulders, sweeping the arms out to the sides, or lifting the knees will supply tissues with the needed blood and oxygen.
Static Stretches
Set up a regular stretching program and stick with it.
- Check with your doctor before starting
- Hold stretches for 10 to 30 seconds
- Never bounce when stretching
- Stop stretching if you feel pain
Sample Stretch: Seated Shoulder Stretch
Sit on a chair and put the left hand on the right shoulder. Hold left elbow with right hand. Roll shoulders down and back and gently pull left elbow across chest and extend left arm. Return and repeat.
When you are ready to start, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Affordable personal healthcare plans and packages eliminate the hassle of insurance, and weekend and evening hours are available. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Las Vegas, Nev.
