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Diversified Physical Therapy LLC News

Web Site: http://www.diversifiedpt.com
1260 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450 - 4806
Tel: (203) 630-3939 Fax: (203) 237-6834

Diversified Physical Therapy is an out-patient private practice clinic. Our goal is to provide quality patient care and to promote prevention and wellness. Call to find out about our classes!

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Stretching Tips from Diversified Physical Therapy, LLC

June 5, 2011

Stretching is a form of exercise in which the muscles of the body are elongated, resulting in increased muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion at the joints, prevention or reduction in pain, improved posture, and it can also be a technique to relieve stress. Stretching is an instinctive activity that most people do after waking up from sleeping or long periods of being inactive. Surely you have seen you dog or cat get up from a nap and stretch before moving?

As we age, our muscles tend to become tighter and joint range of motion decreases. A lack of flexibility in our muscles can make daily activities more strenuous. Simple tasks such as reaching for a glass in a cabinet, or picking something up from the floor can become difficult. A regular stretching program can help lengthen the muscle and make these simple daily activities easier. Muscles that are tense and tight can contribute to poor posture, affecting our internal organs as well musculo-skeletal system.

A lack of flexibility and range of motion in the hamstring, hip, and pelvis muscle can place stress on the spine, causing low back pain. Stretching can increase the flexibility of these muscles and increase the range of motion at the hip joint to reduce the stress on the lumbar spine. Stretching the muscles of the low back, shoulders, and chest can improve the alignment of the back and improve posture.

Stress can cause muscles to tighten up and become painful. Stretching can relax tense muscles caused by stress. The feeling of relaxation after stretching tense muscles can increase your sense of well being and bring a relief of stress.

To stretch properly, you want to make sure you have enough room to move freely. You should stretch every major muscles in the body including , arms, chest, back, and legs, holding stretches for 30-60 seconds. Make sure that you do not over stretch the muscles. You should feel a slight pull in the muscles, but it should never feel painful. Make sure to maintain your breathing during each stretch; do not hold your breath. If possible, push yourself into a slightly deeper stretch with each exhale, but remember you should not feel pain during the stretch. Do not bounce or rush your stretches, they should be slow and in controlled movements. A stretching program may be done every day, and should also be done before, but especially after any exercise or work out. Anyone can incorporate a stretching program into their daily routine. It can be safe and beneficial for everyone, whether you are just beginning or have been exercising for years.

Come in for a visit with us at Diversified Physical Therapy to learn a stretching program that us especially for you. We can put together a safe and effective exercise program to fit your needs. Call us today at 203-630-3939!

 
 

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