A good stretch is a staple of working out for a reason. Stretching for pain relief is the main treatment for muscle damage. And, it helps you improve the results of your exercises. But, why does it work that way?
Good stretching is a main treatment method for back pain. It works because it relieves excess stress. It also helps you release pinched nerves. Now, the question would be what makes that possible. Of course, that’s what I’m answering in this article.
Why stretching for pain relief is a good idea for you
The way stretching works is a bit complicated. On one hand, stretching can increase your pain tolerance. However, this hasn’t always been the outlook on stretching as pain treatment.
Before, prescribing stretching for pain was due to motion range and muscle tone. Now, our beliefs are getting challenged. Apparently, increased flexibility correlates with higher pain tolerance. That could be because of the pain we experience during stretching.
Another possibility relates to the central nervous system. Stretching could activate certain areas that modulate pain. In that sense, it could be akin to exercise causing hypoalgesia.
Which benefits can stretching offer for pain relief?
Colorado Pain Care also lists another bunch of benefits of stretching for pain relief.
Firstly, we have its improved flexibility. Muscle stiffness can make it painful to perform certain movements. Likewise, it helps you perform better during your workouts, reducing pain. In the end, a stronger motion range will make your time easier.
Additionally, stretching improves coordination. Better dexterity and balance help you immensely to prevent injury. Thus, stretching can also condition your body against physical damage.
How should you stretch to relieve pain?
So, stretching is fantastic to relieve and prevent chronic pain. But, how should you go about it? Stretching can be painful and frustrating at first. That’s why it’s important to find the right way to do it.
Generally, make sure your clothes allow freedom of movement. Also, stretch slowly so that you can hold it without pain. Likewise, repeat the stretches several times to guarantee good elongation.
While stretching, avoid bouncing motions. It can strain your muscles, making stretching tougher. Similarly, it can cause pain down the road. To avoid that, stretch different sides of your body separately.
What makes stretching for pain relief so effective?
By now, you might’ve noticed a pattern here. Most benefits come with time. Higher pain tolerance won’t alleviate pain immediately. Still, stretching can help you feel better right away. Why does that happen?
Well, stretching is a type of exercise. After all, it’s still heightened physical activity. And, exercise releases endorphins. As such, many experts believe stretching can release endorphins.
From there, endorphins offer pain relief. And, it’s better than morphine and other traditional pain relief methods. Sure, we’re not entirely sure that stretching releases endorphins. Though, the research is promising.
The holistic takeaway
Stretching should be a core part of your workout routine. That’s because it offers more than flexibility. Good stretching can help you repair muscle damage and prevent chronic pain. Therefore, don’t think of skipping the last stretching session after hitting the gym.
With that in mind, let me point you to Hyperbolic Stretching. It compiles all the stretching exercises you’ll need. It’ll help you target different body parts according to your pain. Plus, it’s a great aid to boost the results of your workouts.
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