How Stretching Can Prevent Injuries

Athletes are not the only people that use stretching to prevent injuries and improve muscle strength, flexibility, and health. Stretching is important for preparing your muscles for physical activity, as it offers many benefits including injury prevention. As an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary, we recommend stretching your muscles at least three times a week to keep them strong and healthy. There are a few ways that stretching can prevent injuries.

Increases Flexibility

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible and maintains range of motion in our joints. Without routine stretching, your muscles become short and tight. Once it comes time to move your muscles, they are weakened and cannot extend the full way, resulting in easier injury. It can result in more joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. By stretching, you can decrease the muscle soreness after any exercise, which can keep you on your feet longer.

Improves Muscle Strength

When you stretch a few days a week, you can improve your muscle stretch. As a general rule of thumb, the stronger your muscles are, the less prone they will be to injury. When it comes to daily, non-rigorous activity, you want your muscles to be strong enough to climb the stairs, go for a walk, or enjoy a short hike. By strengthening your leg muscles, you will be able to enjoy all of these activities without breaking much of a sweat or overexerting your body. When you overexert your weak muscles, you may be more prone to accidents, such as trips and falls.

Encourages Mobility

Many people think that only runners, athletes, dancers, and performers need to stretch on a daily basis. However, it is recommended that everyone does some stretching when they want to stay active. When you do not move your body on a routine basis, you can cause your muscles to stiffen or weaken, which will make it even more difficult when you do need to be active. To stay mobile, it is important that you stretch muscles such as hamstrings and calves.

Recommended by Doctors

Doctors will often recommend exercises regimens involving heavy stretching to their patients after a joint replacement surgery or during a recovery. Some people that have neuromuscular illnesses, such as Parkinson’s Disease, also benefit from a stretching regimen provided by their physical therapist. Doctors often recommend stretching before strenuous activities to keep your muscles loose and improve coordination, which results in fewer accidents and injuries during the exercise itself.

By taking the time to stretch on a daily basis, you can work to improve your muscle strength and prevent injuries and muscle fatigue. As you age, play rigorous sports, or engage in strenuous daily activities, you will need to take care of your body and prevent injury or illness. If you suffer from a muscle, bone, or joint-related injury, contact our orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary for a full assessment today.