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Sports Medicine - The Benefits of Stretching |
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Stretching may play an important role in the success of an athlete’s performance and in preventing injury. This aspect of exercise is quite often forgotten or neglected by both athletes or individuals who participate in exercise. Quite often, physical therapists see many individuals who could have decreased their risks of injuries if they had performed proper stretching exercises that would have helped them improve or maintain their flexibility. The scientific literature that is available is controversial on whether stretching is beneficial or not but it can be concluded that when stretching is performed properly, it can help improve flexibility.
Prior to participation in an event that requires physical exertion, it is recommended that you stretch and warm up in order to prepare your body for activity. Stretching can help decrease the tightness of your muscles and tendons and help improve the range of motion at various joints such as your knee or ankle. Since muscles and tendons assist in moving a joint, they need to be able to move a joint through the full range of motion when participating in various activities such as running, jumping or biking. Should these muscles be tight, than they are more likely to be pulled or injured. Some common stretches for your calf, hamstring, quadriceps, groin and hip flexors are available for observation along with instruction on video clips.
An important concept, which is often forgotten, is to remember to stretch after participation in athletics or exercise. The rationale behind stretching after participation in physical activities is that your muscles and tendons are already warmed up and will be more easily stretched. You are more likely to gain and maintain flexibility while minimizing muscle soreness and fatigue by stretching after exercise.
Some common guidelines for stretching are:
Last revised: June 6, 2008 |
