Physical Therapy Enhances Flexibility

Does stretching impact overall health and fitness? Is it really important to have a flexible body? Such questions always arise in the minds of people who are health conscious. Our physical bodies have remarkable tendencies to perform strenuous tasks which not only require tremendous strength but equal amount of flexibility and agility. But of course, in order to shape our body we primarily have to train and maintain it by performing various stretching and strengthening exercises.

Stretching is commonly used to help individuals achieve greater joint Range of Motion (ROM). Flexibility is important for both athletes and for the general population. Flexibility is defined as the ability to move through a specific joint ROM. Professional physiotherapists have studied, researched and implemented the benefits of physiotherapy to enhance the basic as well as essential functionalities of the human body. Physiotherapy helps you strengthen and increase the range of motion of muscles.

What is Stretching?

Stretching can generally be divided into two types: static and dynamic stretching. Static stretching involves moving a joint to the end of its ROM and holding this stretched position for a set period of time. On the other hand, dynamic stretching involves controlled movements through the active ROM for a joint. Both static and dynamic stretching have been widely studied by our professional physiotherapists and therefore they know a great deal about their acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects.

Does Stretching improve Flexibility?

The most basic question asked about stretching is whether it actually increases flexibility or not. And according to the research studies carried out by professional physiotherapists, stretching exercises can notably increase joint ROM of various muscles. Stretching muscles regularly before and after intense workout sessions help increase muscle size, length and overall fitness.

What is the Purpose of Flexibility Training?

It’s crucial to include flexibility training as part of your daily routine training. Improved flexibility may enhance performance in aerobic training and muscular conditioning as well as in sport. There is scientific evidence that the incidence of injury decreases when people include flexibility training in their routines due to the enhanced ability to move unimpeded through a wider ROM. The only exception to this would be when there is an excessive or unstable ROM, which may increase the likelihood of injury. When executed appropriately, flexibility training enables one to become fit, healthy and active. It is a form of active relaxation that can improve both mental and physical recovery. Pointed below are some of the major benefits flexibility training provides:

• Improves performance of everyday activities as well as performance in exercise and sport.
• Reduces stress in the exercising muscles and releases tension developed during the workout.
• Assists with posture by balancing the tension placed across the joint by the muscles that cross it. Proper posture minimizes stress and maximizes the strength of all joint movements.

Reduces the risk of injury during exercising and while performing daily activities because muscles are more pliable.

It is important to not only know in detail about the various benefits of enhancing body flexibility, but also perform various stretching exercises appropriately with professional assistance. Any exercise when performed inappropriately may cause damage to tensed muscles, joints or ligaments. Therefore, seeking for professional assistance is the best thing to do when you choose to improve the functioning, strength and flexibility of your physical body. Get in touch with our professional physiotherapists in Edmonton to know more about the benefits of stretching and strengthening exercises.

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