The Importance of Stretching to Reduce Injuries

Stretching is really the only exercise you can do from home to keep your muscles loose and flexible to help reduce your risk of injury. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you may have had your previous stretching habits interrupted and are trying to get back into the swing of things.

Or maybe you never got into the habit of stretching at all. Either way, stretching is important and something you should be implementing into your day-to-day life. It’s not only for warming up before physically strenuous activities.

Static Stretching vs. Dynamic Stretching

The various types of stretching can be broken down into multiple groups. Here we’re going to be focusing on the core group of static and dynamic stretching.

Static stretching is probably what you’re more inclined to imagine when you think of stretching — mostly staying in a stationary position for half a minute or so, depending on the stretch. Static stretching is for winding down and is recommended for after you’ve done a strenuous activity like weightlifting.

Dynamic stretching is more active and involves fluid movements. Because of how dynamic stretching works, it’s the kind of stretching you should be doing before you do strenuous physical activity.

What Are Examples of Static Stretching?

When getting started, you can find many examples of static stretches that you can do at home. Quite a bit of yoga exercises would fall under static stretching as well.

Bending over to touch your toes is an example of a common static stretch. Cross-body shoulder stretch, hamstring stretch, and side stretch are also very common, easy to do stretches from home.

What Are Examples of Dynamic Stretching?

Jumping Jacks are one of the most common dynamic stretches. Arm circles, leg pendulum, and spinal rotations are all common and easy to perform stretches from the home.

The important thing to keep in mind with dynamic stretches is they are made to get your blood circulating and get you ready for other kinds of exercises. For many of us who have less access to gyms and athletic facilities, going for a jog, a run, or even a walk is a good choice to continue to stay active. These dynamic stretches should be done beforehand to keep you flexible and decrease your risk of injury while out for a jog or run.

Total Chiropractic Will Help You Maintain Good Health & Wellness

At Total Chiropractic, we understand the benefits of stretching, maintaining flexibility, and how it all plays into your overall spinal wellness. If you find that stretching is painful or impossible for you to do in your current condition, or that you suffer from limited mobility regardless of what you do, we’re here to help. We can conduct an evaluation at our offices and recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you to help increase your mobility and manage your pain. Contact us today to learn more.