The top two reasons you need to start stretching

Your neck and head. Your arms. Your legs. What do all these structures have in common? They’re all moved and supported by many different muscles.

Muscles that don’t get stretched regularly can become tight and stiff, which can lead to even more serious issues. Physical therapists can help you learn more about your body and how you can improve your mobility. Specifically, these specialists can point out two important reasons you need to start stretching regularly. 

1. Improved posture

One reason to start stretching is that it can help improve your posture. The term “posture” refers to how you hold your body when you move or sit. Muscles that are tight and inflexible can pull parts of your body out of their proper alignment, which can lead to poor posture. 

For instance, tight muscles in your neck, chest and upper back can lead to poor neck posture. One study of university students reports that about 64% of them have an issue called forward head posture. Even if you’re fairly stiff now, doing more stretches each day can gradually reduce stiffness and increase flexibility. In turn, this can allow you to reestablish good posture. 

2. Improved circulation

Stretching can help improve your posture. But that isn’t the only reason you should start stretching regularly. Another important benefit of stretching can have is improving your circulation. 

Tight muscles constrict available oxygen supply, essentially robbing themselves of the nutrients they need. Stretches help reverse this process. You’ll also get the benefit of increased blood flow to your joints and throughout the body. Your physical therapist knows that good circulation can also offer other benefits, including: 

• Increasing oxygen and nutrient levels in your muscles
• Improving your ability to stay mentally focused 
• Boosting your ability to fight off illnesses
• Reducing the healing time of injuries 

Armor Physical Therapy can help you find ways to start stretching

When you’re ready to add stretches to your daily routine, consider getting started through physical therapy. Our Armor Physical Therapy team can walk you through the best ways to tackle your situation. Static or dynamic stretching? Pre- or post-activity stretching? Our physical therapists can help you learn the basics. 

We also offer free screenings that can pinpoint muscles that need particular attention. In addition, our physical therapists can build you a personalized therapy plan designed to keep your muscles strong and supple. Our team can even help you get effective therapy from home thanks to our virtual care and at-home therapy services.

Contact us today for more information about all the services we offer or to schedule your free screening.