Stretch right after your workout or activity to maintain mobility, prevent injury, and keep pain at bay.

Many of us were taught that stretching should happen BEFORE we get active–to avoid injury. If you were taught this I’m not going to call you old–not without calling myself old first. However, we’ve learned some things since we were taught this.

Firstly, the body is very good at protecting or “guarding” against injury when it is stiff or cold. If you are aware of the warning signs, and work slowly into activity with your pulse, the chances of injury from lack of stretching a quite small. Please note, you CAN injure yourself when the body is cold, but chances are small. Make them smaller by NOT pushing through pain or forcing tissues when they are cold.

The best time for a nice long stretch is when the muscles are warm. If you’re sweating, and cooling down after a workout, that is the best time to stretch. This is the window when the body’s heat will allow for a full, deep stretch. This is also the window when the body is on the precipice between exercise and recovery (tissue repair). Stretching while still cooling down keeps the muscles pliable as they head into recovery, provides a reset to muscle length after strenuous activity, and changes the electro-magnetic current inside the muscle itself.

Stretching Help and Bodywork

Book a sports massage session in Chico for more individualized help. I’ve been a sports massage therapist for over 12 years, and have many advanced techniques in my toolkit. Come see me for stretching tips, pain relief, cupping, kinesio taping, and facilitated stretching with active release. Book today to feel better faster!