How does stretching help me feel less pain?
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Stretching is an activity performed to either prepare a muscle or group of muscles for exercise or to elongate a cramped or chronically shortened muscle (tight muscles). All of the muscles in our body can lengthen or shorten depending on the activity or function required. There is a neutral position that all muscles seek when we are at rest. From that position, contraction or lengthening can occur. This is what causes our joints to move and how we perform any activity we desire in a simplistic normal sense.
If an injury to a muscle occurs or if the muscle has not been used vigorously for some time, it has the tendency to shorten or cramp into its shortened form. If left in this position, it will become painful and swollen. It has the feeling of being in a knot. The act of stretching attempts to elongate the muscle back into a more neutral position thereby improving function. Tight or cramped muscles can affect joint function and range of motion. So, if a chronically cramped or spasmed muscle is exercised, further injury can occur by pulling the muscle apart and tearing its fibers causing additional injury.
Stretching helps to prepare the muscle for both normal activity as well as exercise. It can be done actively (by oneself) or passively (another person does it). We always see athletes stretching prior to any sports event or a trainer stretching them. But, we also know the importance of stretching if a prior injury or surgery has occurred for the same reason – to promote better range of motion, healing of damaged tissue, improved circulation and elimination of toxic chemicals, enhanced performance, increased strength, and increased endurance.
As we age, our muscle function can deteriorate affecting our ability to function and exercise. If left alone, these changes will ultimately affect our joints, change our posture, and severely limit what we can do. It also contributes significantly to pain especially in our back and necks. Everyone should learn a basic self stretching program for all muscles involving our spine and extremities. It should be done every day. Great information is available along with instruction videos on how to initiate a personalized program. If necessary, athletic trainers or physical therapists can provide the necessary instruction. Yoga is also an advanced form of stretching and maintaining range of motion and strength which can be good for all ages.
Stretching can treat the following conditions:
