Stretching - should we or shouldn't we?

It seems for every piece of research that supports one, another study will come out saying the complete opposite. The truth is, stretching itself isn’t bad for us at all, and in fact, it’s great for us!

The importance is knowing when, how and why to stretch and problems often come through lack of understanding more than anything else.

Should I stretch or not? Which stretches should I do? Should I stretch before or after a work-out? Will stretching reduce my risk of injury? Does stretching make me more prone to injury? What’s the most important stretch? Should stretching hurt?

In Layman’s terms, stretching allows us to have a greater range of movement in our muscles which also reduces the chances of injury. Stretching has many other benefits too, such as, improves posture, eases back pain, improves exercise form, boosts joint health, reduces stress levels, improves sleep, strengthens muscles and even helps with diabetes!

stretching the right muscles, for the right reasons, in the correct manner

Static Stretching

most common form of stretching

Dynamic Stretching

popular method of stretching among sports enthusiasts

Mobility Stretching

most common amongst sports enthusiasts

The purpose is for the muscles to gradually lengthen over a series of movements, so that when you come to performing that action during a match, it is replicating a movement that you have recently done, but at a maximal function.

Passive Stretching

which could cause injury

muscular stretching is hugely beneficial for usreduce the chances of an injuryFREE Ask A Physio01282 453 110.