Stretching is a critical aspect of maintaining movement and flexibility as you age. Unfortunately, many people do not realize the importance of the activity, so they neglect simple exercises that can save them from a lot of pain as they age. If you only knew how important stretching is, you certainly would include a simple routine in your daily life. A Glendale physical therapy professional can help you develop a routine.
Understanding Why Stretching Is Great for You
Stretching is important because it keeps muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. The activity also contributes to flexibility and range of motion. If people do not commit to routine stretching, they risk their muscles becoming short and tight, weakening and unable to extend to their full length. There are at least four benefits of regular stretching.
1. Increased Flexibility
Flexibility is the primary reason to commit to stretching regularly. As people age, they tend to lose their range of motion in their knees, hips, arms, and other areas. Regular stretches can keep muscles from becoming tight and the tissue becoming short and weak. Regular movement begets continued movement.
2. Improved Circulation
Stretching can improve circulation in several ways. First, stretches can compress and decompress veins and arteries, promoting chemicals that expand the tissues and allow more blood to enter the area. Second, stretching can relax the blood vessels in the short term, increasing blood flow. Third, stretching increases oxygen levels and helps deliver nutrients to the muscles, which requires increased circulation. Finally, body temperature rises during stretching exercises, resulting in increased circulation.
3. Reduced Risk of Injury
According to the National Institutes of Health, studies show that stretching programs influence the viscosity of tendons, making them more compliant during activities such as sports. The compliance or flexibility of the tendons makes them less likely to become injured. You can sign up for stretching programs at locations offering physical therapy Scottsdale.
4. Reduced Stress and Tension
Like other exercise routines, stretching can reduce muscle tension, tightening, and pain. Also, it can promote the release and production of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good, pain-killing hormone. The routine can also increase serotonin levels. Endorphins and serotonin are both mood enhancers that can relieve stress and tension.
Great Stretching Techniques You Should Try
You can find several stretching techniques that promote flexibility and wellness. Some of the more common and approachable techniques include:
- Quad stretches
- Hamstring stretches
- Shoulder rolls
- Neck rolls
- Ankle rolls
For more specific stretches, check out physical therapy Ahwatukee. A therapist can help identify the movement exercises that best suit your needs and promote self-healing.
Stretching is often overlooked as an essential tool for aging well. If you want to maintain mobility and flexibility as you age, you must adopt stretching routines into your exercise regimen. Suppose you don’t have an exercise regimen or a stretching routine. In that case, you should reach out to a local physical therapist or trainer to identify the movements and exercises that suit your lifestyle and needs. Contact a local PT office to schedule a consultation.
