One of the best things you can do for your body is to keep it flexible. Achieving and maintaining optimal flexibility not only makes you feel better, but helps prevent injuries. Seeing a physical therapist for stretching is one of the best ways to ensure that you're doing it correctly and safely - did you know you can overstretch? A PT can assess your unique needs and develop a stretching program that's tailored just for you. And, because they're trained professionals, they can also help you identify any limitations or restrictions that need to be taken into account.
Disclaimer: Information included in this blog is for informational purposes only and not meant as medical advise. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if
you have specific questions for your own care.
Did you know you can overstretch?
While it may not seem like a big deal to stretch a little too far, overstretching can actually lead to serious injuries. One of the most common injuries associated with overstretching is a torn muscle. When a muscle is stretched beyond its limits, the fibers can tear. This can cause swelling, bruising, and pain. In severe cases, a torn muscle can take weeks or even months to heal.
Another serious injury that can be caused by overstretching is a stress fracture. This is a small crack in a bone that occurs when the bone is under too much stress. Stress fractures can be extremely painful and can take a long time to heal. In some cases, surgery may even be necessary. Overstretching can also lead to joint problems. When a joint is overstretched, the ligaments that support the joint can be stretched or torn. This can cause instability in the joint, pain, and swelling. In severe cases, it can even lead to joint dislocation.
Over stretching can lead to serious injuries.
Why see a Physical Therapist for stretching?
Physical therapists are experts in stretching and have been expertly trained to assess the responses of the muscle in all positions - similar to how chefs have perfected the cook of a steak just by touching it. Sara with Releaseology will perform a combination of stretching, joint mobilizations and distractions (that will help get more fluid and motion into the joint), along with massage.
A physical therapist can tailor a stretching program to your specific needs and provide guidance on how to stretch correctly and safely. Especially, if your tightness is related to diseases or trauma to the brain and spinal cord, as these diagnoses can result in higher muscle tone and muscle spasticity that may not be highly understood by those that are not trained.
Who can benefit from Stretching?
In short, all diagnoses can benefit from stretching. But specifically benefits have been witnessed in:
Pain (whether chronic or acute)
Headaches/Migraines
TMJ/Jaw Pain
Muscle Spasms
Spasticity
Muscle or Joint Stiffness
Tennis Elbow
Golfer's Elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Hip Bursitis
IT Band Syndrome
Charlie Horses
Stroke
Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
and many more!
Disclaimer: Information included in this blog is for informational purposes only and not meant as medical advise. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
Where Can You Book Your Session?
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