what are the benefits of increasing flexibility through stretching?

In the world of rehab, stretching is one of the most commonly used techniques. After an injury, whether acute or chronic, muscles and joints can tighten up resulting in loss of range of motion. 

After an acute injury the body is in a stage of rapid healing. Blood flow is increased to the area in order to bring in nutrients and remove waste products and damaged tissue. New tissue is laid down over time and requires careful loading in order to heal to its optimal strength. Stretching can help to align the newly laid down collagen and line up the tissue in its intended direction.

A chronic injury can be more difficult to heal from and requires consistent and dedicated rehab. With chronic injuries, the body can constantly shift from inflammatory and healing stages. The inflammation results in swelling and pain, which makes patients reluctant to participate in rehab or to move the impacted area in general. This immobility results in a sharp reduction of the flexibility of impacted joints or muscles. Meanwhile the healing process is similar to what was described above with acute injuries. Regardless of injury type, stretching provides similar benefits and can actually help keep the body in the healing stage instead of relapsing back to the inflammatory stage. This is because with increased mobility there is less of a chance of re-injury and creation of scar tissue. Once again, in the healing stage stretching can help align and strengthen the newly laid down tissue.

Without proper loading and stretching of the tissue reductions in range of motion can occur. This can slow down the timeline of recovery, causes a build-up of scar tissue and can cause unnecessary compensations in the way your body moves. Stretching allows you to regain that range and heal in a more optimal and timely manner.

Injury is unfortunate and sometimes difficult to deal with, but stretching is not just for alleviation of pain and symptoms after an injury. It can also play a major role in prevention of injury. Prevention is better than cure. Keeping your muscles limber and your joints mobile is an excellent way to reduce risk of injury. Stretching is the best way to increase or maintain your flexibility regardless of age. Long duration stretches lead to long term changes in flexibility and range. When a load is applied to a muscle it stretches to its current maximum length in response. When that load is held constant over a period of time that muscle continues to relax and its maximum length increases. This is known as the “creep” effect. A fitting name because your flexibility will really creep up on you! 

At FLXME we take you through a comprehensive stretching routine including all the major muscle groups of the lower and upper body to leave you feeling nice and loose. Over multiple sessions you will see your range of motion increase and notice long term changes in flexibility. We’ll help you get in touch with your toes!