Chiropractic Tip: Hang On to Your Flexibility
By Sandy Schroeder
Time flies as we all know, but it really picks up speed when the body plays tricks on us. One day we may feel OK, and the next day we may wonder where the limberness went as we struggle to reach the top shelf, or stretch to tie shoes. Losing range of motion is no fun, but chiropractic may have the solutions. Regaining flexibility can make you stronger in sports, help you avoid falls and make everyday tasks easier.
Stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to improve your flexibility and learn more about health, wellness and fitness. The Joint's doctors of chiropractic are well equipped to help.
The chiropractor’s focus on spinal health often improves overall health as brain-to-body communications are sharpened. The spine houses the central nervous system that makes everything we do possible. A healthy spine can make life a lot easier.
On the Wellness Path
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may be the first step to ease stiffness and pain and generate a new sense of well-being. Gradually, weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may help you ease sore muscles to improve range of motion. Your chiropractor can monitor your progress and help you start a stretching program to regain and maintain more flexibility.
How to Put Stretching to Work
First, check in with your doctor for approval of new stretching exercises. Then look for programs at the gym or YMCA that stretch hamstrings, calves, hip flexors, quadriceps in the thighs, and muscles of the shoulders, neck and lower back. Try to stretch every day or a couple times a week.
Harvard Health says, “When you stretch a muscle, you extend the tissue to its full length. If you hold that tension long enough, the muscle will be longer when it relaxes. The more often you stretch your muscles, the longer and more flexible they'll become.”
- Ease joint and back pain
- Avoid muscle and joint injury
- Improve range of motion
- Improve posture and balance
How to Begin
- Warm up muscles before stretching
- Use dynamic stretching moving joints through range of motion
- Never bounce a stretch
- Follow up with static stretches for 10 to 30 seconds
- Try seated shoulder or standing hamstring stretches
When you are ready to work on your flexibility, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic in your community. Personal healthcare plans and packages eliminate the hassle of insurance. Weekend and evening hours make visits convenient. 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 Houston, Tex.