Stretch Everyday 11/30/2009
 
If you have a job that keeps you at a desk Monday - Friday then you need to read today's article. June M. Lay, is a  Lifestyle Columnist for  HealthNewsDigest.com

June sits at the computer all day long researching and writing her articles for her column. As you can probably relate to her shoulders, neck and upper back get tight and cause her much discomfort. Notice what she has to say about the importance of stretching everyday and how it can make a difference in your life:

"Research has indicated that regular stretching may be more effective in preventing injuries than occasional stretching and a systematic scientific-based review of 7 out of 9 studies indicates that regular stretching improves our sports performance. I personally learned how important stretching when sitting at my computer gave me kinks in my neck (as I sit here and type!)."

Do you suffer from kinks in your neck?  June talks about the importance of stretching everyday, and how it helps her to manage her tension. She also talks about the value of going to a chiropractor when she needs an adjustment.

Here are a few tips she shares to maximize your stretching:

  • . While exercising before exercise is important... exercising after exercise while you cool down is just as important to avoid stiffness later on.  Now this may come as a surprise to some but we've been talking about the importance of doing this since we opened our facility here in Jefferson GA.
  • As soon as you get out of the bed do some lower back stretches to help that stiff back. Make it a habit everyday and you will see the difference in a few days.
  • Never, never, never bounce while  stretching. It could lead to muscle spasms or even worse.
  • Do not overstretch as it can cause injury. Listen to your body and work within its limitations.
  • Seek professional advice for targeting specific muscle groups that need stretching. This is especially helpful if you are in sports or do a lot of typing. If you come to our Natural Health Center in Jefferson GA we will be happy to train you exactly how to do this.
  • Listen to your body. If a specific stretch is hurting you, then stop it. The odds are you are doing it incorrectly and can actually cause more damage to yourself. A perfect example of that is in this article here on  neck pain and exercising.
  • June concludes with this advice, "Stretch all muscles and muscle groups. Don't leave any out. Overstretching one muscle group such as our hamstrings, and never stretching our quadriceps can contribute to imbalances. Hence, possible injuries."  In our practice here we see this everyday. People do the stretches they see on TV or learned in school. However they are completely ignoring the other muscles that counter balance these muscle groups. That is why when we work with our patients we teach them a different stretch each week to add to their routine. Remember to hold those stretches for 30 seconds for maximum effect.
When you are ready to feel better, come visit us. We are much more than just a chiropractic office here. When you work with Dr. Torey you not only get a chiropractor you get a coach too that will train you to stretch everyday and teach you how to feel better.

If you would like to speak with DR. Torey you may contact him at (770)654-1196   
 


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Jefferson Ga Chiropractor