The Many Benefits of Stretching Both Before and After a Workout
Regular exercise is an excellent way to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, if you don’t stretch before and after your workout, you’re not getting the most out of your workout routine.
Stretching, according to the Mayo Clinic, “can increase flexibility and improve your joints’ range of motion, allowing you to move more freely.” And having equal flexibility on both sides may help protect you from injury.”
Stretching before and after a workout has several specific benefits, and a physical therapist can help you figure out which stretches are best for you!
How can working with a physical therapist help me get more out of my workouts?
Stretching exercises provide so many important benefits that it’s easy to see why we use them so frequently in physical therapy.
It is critical to ensure that you stretch properly before and after your workouts. A physical therapist can design an exercise routine tailored to your specific needs. Whatever type of exercises you do, physical therapy can help you get the most out of them.
To help you feel better and stay healthy, physical therapy can combine targeted stretches with strength-building exercises, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, heat or cold therapy, and many other techniques.
Your physical therapist can also advise you on the best stretches for your current physical condition and the type of activity you’re doing. It’s also critical to do the right exercises in the right order. We can make sure you’re stretching correctly for your needs and show you how to do so safely. Scheduling an appointment with a qualified physical therapist is a great first step in learning more about the correct techniques and stretches for the types of physical activity you are participating in.
What types of stretches are the most effective?
There are several types of stretches that can be done before and after a workout. It’s critical to understand which types are best for you and when to use them in a workout.
- Ballistic stretching entails bouncing movements that push muscles beyond their normal range of motion.
- Dynamic movements are those that are not held but cause muscles to stretch. These are frequently performed to prepare your muscles for movement.
- Static stretching entails holding a specific stretch for 10 to 20 seconds. This type of stretch should be done after a workout and should feel comfortable.
To find out more contact our Foothill Ranch Physical Therapy , Placentia Physical Therapy, Mission Viejo Physical Therapy, or Lake Forest Physical Therapy locations.