Do you remember when you were a young kid and twisted your back on purpose? Your entire spine released, and you felt so loose and flexible. With age our backs begin to feel more stiff and tight. As age sets in and you try to twist and turn, especially in the morning or after prolonged sitting, you don’t feel as loose or flexible. You may even have pain. There isn’t as much freedom of movement as there used to be, is there?
Of course, this is a natural part of life and aging but as we get older, we move and exercise less and we place less emphasis on maintaining our flexibility. This isn’t good. A regular stretching routine can make each day better and the aging process more smooth and graceful.
There are multiple benefits to a regular stretching routine. Here are some of the top ones…
Athletic Performance
Stretching of course loosens muscles which makes you more flexible and increases range of motion. But it also increases blood flow and nerve flow through the muscles which gives you more oxygen and energy. In doing so it enhances endurance and athletic activity, especially with workouts, jogging, golf and tennis. It also reduces post exercise aches and pains. Stretching also benefits ligaments and tendons which helps reduce the possibility of injury when playing sports, working, or performing other activities of daily living.
Stress Relief
Stretching allows you to better relax and can reduce the effects of everyday stress. This can enhance mood and happiness which can help relationships with friends, co-workers and family! Daily stretching can be transformative. In the morning it prepares you for the day ahead and in the evening can allow you to get a better night’s sleep. This alone can be therapeutic. All of these factors can reduce stress, whether you are driving, vacationing, farming, sitting in front of a computer, or bending lifting and twisting all day. Regardless of your activities or circumstances, the looser and more at ease your body is the better you will be able to handle stress.
Pain Relief
Tight muscles cause pain. They pull bones, lock joints and pinch nerves that produce pain. By loosening up muscles, stretching helps to break this cycle right at the beginning. It helps to relieve aches and pains associated with the rigors of daily life as well as those of aging. Tight muscles also retain lactic acid which causes aches, pain, cramps and fatigue. Stretching along with drinking plenty of water helps to flush this from the muscles and keep them looser and less painful.
Enhanced Posture Have you ever noticed how youthful people stand and sit straight up while old people slump forward? This forward flexion causes strain on the entire body and is not good for balance, breathing, coordination and youthfulness. Stretching helps keep your posture more youthful and erect so you stand up straighter and avoid the muscular and skeletal degeneration associated with the ravages of time.
Greater Productivity
Everyone would agree that when you are tired, achy or stiff you’re just less productive than you could be. Stretching helps to reduce all of those negatives and helps you be more productive at work and everyday life. When you’re more productive you have more time to spend on the things that you want to do rather than those you just have to do. This adds to happiness and overall fulfillment not to mention the ability to be more financially prosperous with your time !
At Chiropractic Partners in Clayton educating our patients on the benefits of stretching is a vital part of what we do. If you feel stiffness and pain we could be of great benefit to you. Schedule an appointment online or call us any time at (919)-550-9355. With over 400 five star reviews and 26 years of experience we will take great care to make sure you feel and function at your best. Call us today!