Stretch It Out
“The definition of stretching is the straightening or extending of one’s body or a part of the body to its full length, typically so as to tighten one’s muscles or in order to reach something” (dictionary.com). That is just the generic definition that one will find when they google “definition of stretching”. Various stretches target different muscles and other areas of the body. People stretch for different reasons, but according to Acefitness.org, the main reasons people stretch are to decrease muscle stiffness, increase range of motion, reduce risk of injury, help relieve post-exercise aches and pains, improve posture, help reduce or manage stress, reduce muscular tension and enhance muscular relaxation, improve mechanical efficiency and overall functional performance, prepare the body for the stress of exercise, promote circulation, and decrease the risk of low-back pain. People doubt that stretching is helpful in some instances, but numerous facts explain how stretching can benefit the lives of people everyday.
Stretching is not a new idea that was recently introduced by “tree-huggers”, or someone who wanted to be at one with nature:
Ancient Greeks used stretching in gymnastic training that included health maintenance, athletics and military physical training. Stretching in the context of manual therapy can be traced back to Hippocrates and Galen, chief physician to the gladiators in Pergamum from A.D.157 and therefore probably the original sports therapist. (Tierney)
Stretching has been around for hundreds of years and has some of the same purposes now as it did back in A.D.157. It is recommended that gymnasts and athletes stretch before they tumble, perform a routine, or take part in any sports-like activi...
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Foundation of Functional Training”. 4 June 2014. articles/Screening/2013-07-04_proprioceptive_neuromuscular_facilitation_the_fo undation_of_functional_training>. Web. 24 Apr. 2014.
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Witvrouw, E., Mahieu, N., Roosen, P., & McNair, P. (2007). The role of stretching in tendon injuries. British journal of Sports Medicine , 224-226.
There are many aspects on the study and meaning of kinesiology. Some of these ways are; applied kinesiology, kinesiology medicine research, and specialized and energy kinesiology. The study kinesiology and massage therapy is believed to go hand and hand. Many will say that without the proper knowledge of kinesiology and muscle movements, you can not provide a patent with all that is needed for a proper massage. As we approach new years, many individuals are increasing their concern in health. With the healing arts increasing in popularity, individuals don’t understand the need for well-rounded therapist. Who are trained in the science of kinesiology, which includes the technique of massage to enable them to be proficient in their field.
Stretching the muscles that surround the joint will help improve your range of motion and help you return to regular daily activities. It will also prevent further injury.
The application of massage to promote comfort and healing is not a new concept. According to Moyer, Rounds, and Hannum (2004) the practice of MT is traceable back to Ancient Greek and Chinese cultures, as well as Hindu, Japanese and Roman cultures. As early as 400 BC, Hippocrates used rubbing to treat patience with stiffness and even earlier still; the use of MT is recorded in the Chinese tradition as early as the second century (Field, 1998). Although considered a part of...
Massage therapy is believed to benefit clients by enhancing recovery and performance, and through promotion of neurological, biochemical, psychological and physiological mechanisms. Application of mechanical pressure on the muscle and soft tissues helps to decrease tissue adhesion. Increased muscle-tendon compliance is achieved through mobilization and elongation of the adhered connective tissue (Fitzcharles, Ste-Marie and Pereira, 2013). The obtained muscle compliance then causes the stiff muscle-tendon unit to flex. Biomechanically, the impact of massage on the compliance of muscle-tendon unit is measured by joint range of motion, active stiffness and passive stiffness. Joint range of motion reveals an increase in static flexibility. On the other hand, passive stiffness measures an increase in dynamic flexibility, while active stiffness measures the effect of mental activation in promoting stretch reflex (Kumar, Beaton and Hughes, 2013).
Whether you're a pro athlete or someone just starting to get into shape, the strengthening and stretching positions and motions yoga puts you through is an excellent start for staying, and becoming, an athlete. When first starting, certain positions, like a backbend, may not be accomplishable. But with time and work, slowly your body loosens up until you can feel the muscles throughout your body, and you become more aware of yourself. As you develop self-awareness, it also becomes easier to tell where you body is weak or strong. Which joints may need extra work, while others may not. Targeting your weaker points, instead of relying on your stronger ones, will indulge you with less injuries and illnesses. Call it becoming one with yourself. ...
Christenssen, W. (2001). Stretch exercises: reducing the musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in the arms and upper body of echocardiographers. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 17(123), 140.
"Gymnastics." Injuries â Pediatric Orthopedics and Sports Medicine â Children's Hospital Colorado. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2013. .
The sheer energy of a gymnast alone can be felt by audiences of all ages, but what the spectators lack the ability to feel is the pounding of the bodies that bear the impact of the athletes in action. Gymnastics consists of a mixture of acrobatic performances of four different events for females, and six different events for males (Gianoulis 1). Gymnastics is demanding in a multitude of ways, including: physically, emotionally and mentally. It requires countless hours of dedication. The concerns of most gymnasts are moving up to the next level, or getting a more advanced skill, while the concerns of the doctors, coaches, and parents revolve mostly around the athlete’s health, which is put at stake for the adored yet dangerous sport. Injuries are common among both male and female gymnast alike, but due to the fact a female gymnast’s career peaks at the same time of major growth and development, a female gymnast’s body as a whole is more likely to undergo lifelong changes or affects (Gianoulis 2). Among the injuries of the mind blowing athletes, the most common ones affect the ankles, feet, lower back, wrist, and hands of individuals (Prevention and Treatment 1). From sprains, to the breaks, the intriguing sport of gymnastics is physically demanding on a gymnast’s body.
Nevins, N., Do. (n.d.). The benefits of yoga [Fact sheet]. Retrieved February 27, 2014, from American Osteopathic Association website: http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/yoga.aspx
According to Massage Today “Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old”. I feel that the benefit of rubbing aching muscles and hurt limbs comes to us as naturally as breathing air. Among its many purposes and advantages, massage soothes achy muscles, helps heal injuries, strengthens baby’s muscles and relieves stress. To me, massage is not only a way to soothe the muscles and relieve the everyday stresses of society, massage is a way to connect with others through the common practice of touch. We have needed touch in our lives since the first seconds after our birth, so it’s not surprising that we would seek out touch in the form of massage.
Many people would tell you that they love to exercise and workout. This is true because exercising releases many stress-relieving endorphins that help in many ways. What they won’t tell you is that they feel the same way about stretching. It would be considered one of their least favorite things to do. Truth is, stretching is also stress relieving and relaxing, but not in quite the same ways as exercise. Although stretching doesn’t reduce bodily fat nor does it gain muscle; it does set a good foundation for you to perform the necessary activities that lead to good health. With proper flexibility, many functions that were previously not achievable can now be done. For instance, a tennis game can be fun for a little while. But as your muscle tense up, you risk probable sourness and cramping. With good flexibility, your muscles stay loose and relaxed and your attitude toward the tennis game and other exercises are improved.
In a world full of skepticism towards the alternative, Yoga has created a place of growing belief for itself. As Timothy McCall, M.D. states in his book Yoga As Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health & Healing: A Yoga Journal Book:
Yoga stretches are another feature of yoga where you can relax your body and reduce stress and fatigue. There are different stretches in yoga each contributing to the overall health of the body. Some of the most worked out stretches in yoga are; The Ankle and feet stretch, seated Backward Bend, Seated forward bend, neck stretch and much more. These stretches should be performed on a regular basis in order to take good care of the body. One thing that should be remembered that you should not overstress yourself while performing the yoga