Stretching Has Many Proven Benefits! Discover Them Today

You've probably heard that it's important to stretch before and after a workout or any type of strenuous physical activity. While this is true, it's also beneficial to stretch on a regular basis whether you're doing any type of physical workout or not. There are many benefits of doing stretches on a regular basis. A physical therapy program that is individualized to meet your specific needs can help you make the most of your stretching routine. Call TheraFit™ Physical Therapy & Fitness Centers to find out how a physical therapist can help you learn to stretch effectively to improve your health and increase your activity level.

Increase Blood Flow

Stretching may increase your circulation, which can ultimately improve blood flow. Improving overall blood flow has many benefits. This includes less soreness from workouts or even basic daily movement. It also includes the ability to more efficiently deliver nutrients to not only muscles but organs such as the heart. It can even increase your oxygen levels. Improved blood flow gives you more energy throughout the day and may even help the body fight off disease. A physical therapy plan can teach you different ways to stretch that will most effectively increase blood flow. A physical therapist may also use heat treatment to improve blood flow while teaching you how to perform stretches correctly.

Increase Flexibility

Remaining flexible is a crucial aspect of staying mobile and active for as long as possible. Even younger individuals can lose flexibility if they don't stretch and stay active on a regular basis. When you stretch regularly, your muscles become more supple and move with greater ease and less pain. Greater flexibility will therefore not only make it easier to move but when it's easier it will take less energy. When you make stretching a regular part of your day, you may have more energy and not feel tired so quickly. A physical therapy routine can be a great way to increase your flexibility. A physical therapist can show you how to stretch so you increase your flexibility in a safe and steady manner.

Increase Range of Motion

The range of motion is basically how much movement you have around specific joints or certain body parts. The greater the range of motion is for your knees, ankles, shoulders, etc., the more activities you'll be able to do. Range of motion is particularly important for athletes or even those participating in athletic events for fun. A physical therapist can measure the range of motion throughout your body and give you specific exercises to increase your overall ability to move as much as possible. Your physical therapy routine might include what is called dynamic stretching or the use of foam rolling to increase your range of motion. It's important to visit a physical therapist in order to learn how to use different types of equipment, such as foam rollers, correctly.

Improve Athletic Performance

Stretching before participating in athletics can help prepare your muscles and ligaments for strenuous physical activity. Stretching causes your muscles to continually lengthen and then relax again. This prepares your body to more effectively engage in strenuous motions in which muscles are constantly contracting and lengthening. You'll want to ask a physical therapist about stretches and exercises that are geared for the particular sport you participate in. A physical therapy program with stretches to help with the specific movement you make in your sport can improve your athletic performance.

Reduce Injuries

When your muscles are warmed up correctly, you'll be less likely to suffer an injury during physical activity. Stretching increases flexibility, which makes muscles more supple. They are then less vulnerable to injury if you move quickly or suddenly change the direction of movement. If you're already suffering from injuries, a physical therapy routine can help you heal faster and get back to the activities you love. Physical therapy may even reduce the chance of future injuries. A physical therapist can use manual massage to heal current injuries, reduce pain, and strengthen muscles and joints.

Improve Posture

Stretching muscles can help improve posture. Poor posture looks unattractive and may even affect a person's health. Good posture can reduce back pain and eliminate tension in your neck and shoulders. If you're sitting and standing correctly, this may even increase lung capacity and improve digestion. Physical therapy is a great way to improve your posture. A physical therapist can teach you new ways of standing, sitting, and engaging in daily activities. A physical therapy program might include specific stretches to strengthen the spine, which can help improve posture.

Reduce Stress

Of all the benefits stretching provides, many people may not realize that it can reduce stress. When you're stressed and tense, your muscles naturally tighten. Gentle stretching can slowly relieve tension throughout your entire body. Each of us have particular areas we carry a lot of tension. For some people, it's in the neck area. For others, it may be in the shoulders or in different areas of the back. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that target the specific area where you have the greatest tension and stress. There are specific types of stretching, such as static stretching, that may be included in your physical therapy routine to reduce stress and anxiety.

It's important to make stretching a regular part of your life. Including physical therapy is a good way to make sure you're learning how to stretch correctly and safely. Whether you want to improve athletic performance or you want to reduce pain and more easily engage in daily activities, physical therapy can improve your life. Contact TheraFit Physical Therapy & Fitness Centers in Hazel Green, AL, and/or Park City, TN today to find out how a physical therapist can put together a stretching routine to keep you as flexible and strong as possible.

The Top 5 Ways Proper Posture can Help Alleviate Back Pain

Everyone has heard the importance of sitting or standing up straight. However, maintaining proper posture at all hours of the day is usually easier said than done.

Many people experience back pain due to poor posture. Sitting and standing up straight allows for proper spinal alignment, which can prevent back pain. However, it can be difficult to get in the habit of practicing proper posture if you are already in the habit of slouching or hunching over. Fortunately, physical therapy can help correct your bad posture habits and help you incorporate healthy ones into your lifestyle through targeted strengthening exercises and stretches.

If back pain has been limiting your life, don’t wait to find relief. Schedule your consultation today and see how our services can help treat your back pain while simultaneously improving your posture!

How can proper posture relieve back pain?

Your spine is designed to operate in a very specific way. When you move, sit, and stand in ways that disrupt the correct operation of your spine, you may eventually create undesirable problems over time.

With the help of your physical therapist, practicing good posture is one way that can work with your spine in order to minimize your back pain. Physical therapy treatments will provide educational resources for good posture and will help you discover several healthy movement patterns for relieving pain. 5 of the greatest benefits of maintaining proper posture include:

1. It helps improve physical function.

When we think of posture, many of us picture an image of static positions – such as sitting at a desk or standing up straight. However, proper posture can be (and should be) incorporated into everything we do.

Through physical therapy treatments, your physical therapist will guide you on how to maintain proper posture during all of your favorite activities, such as walking, running, and playing sports. The improved posture you adopt in each activity will lessen the wear and tear you put on your spine, which minimizes the risk of developing back pain from these activities.

2. It prevents damaging changes to the anatomy of your spine.

The ways in which you use your spine can actually cause changes to your anatomy. The stress caused by sitting hunched can eventually lead to damage of your muscles, joints, spinal discs, and the nerves and blood vessels that travel through your spine. Fortunately, in many cases, the damage can be reversed if you engage in targeted physical therapy treatments and learn how to maintain proper posture.

3. It enhances blood circulation.

When you maintain proper spinal alignment, your veins are not constricted by the pressure of your vertebrae. Your spine contains numerous components that all require good circulation, in order to operate correctly and regenerate from damage.

When your physical therapist guides you through different physical therapy exercises to help with your posture, your alignment will return to the intended shape required for optimal circulation.

4. It increases your strength and flexibility.

If you have struggled with poor posture for a while, there is a good chance that it will be difficult to maintain proper posture in the beginning. It may take some time in physical therapy to gain the strength and flexibility necessary to keep your ideal posture. Fortunately, the work you do with your physical therapist to achieve your physical goals will lead to greater overall fitness. The stronger and more flexible you get, the less likely you are to suffer from back pain on a regular basis.

5. It helps you avoid pain from improper techniques.

Good posture is a vital component of lifting objects without injury. When you lift and fail to use good posture, there is a much greater chance that you will wind up hurting your back.

Ask your physical therapist about proper lifting posture. He or she can show you how to lift correctly and guide you through some exercises to clarify the right posture.

Find relief today:

Are you ready to improve your posture and relieve your back pain? If so, call to confirm your appointment today! We’ll help you get started on the right track toward a pain-free life. Your back will be happy you did!

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