Is it Really So Important to Stretch? Part 2

A well stretched muscle moves through it’s range of motion with less effort.  Less effort means less fatigue and higher performance.  For example, a runner who stretches prior to running may increase stride length which can mean less work for the muscles to cover the same distance.  Stretching also relieves joint pain and increases range of motion. 
If a muscle is well stretched it takes stress off the joint. This is important because tight muscles pulling on joints over time can cause the joint to become out of alignment. It also puts extra pressure on the joint and confines it.  This can lead to injury, and osteoarthritis.  By stretching regularly you can ward of these problems or even relieve symptoms if you already have them.  For example, the same client I referred to earlier noticed a difference in his knee pain caused by osteoarthritis after four sessions of assisted stretching.  He said, “my knee pain has greatly decreased.” When you stretch you relieve stress from the joint and improve function.

Stretching improves posture. Even if you do not exercise, you probably have tight muscles somewhere. If you sit at a desk all day the odds are that you have tight chest muscles and tight hip flexor muscles just from being in that position all day long. This causes a slouched posture and over time if not corrected can cause your bones to be compromised. So compromised that you might not be able to stand up straight again even if you wanted to.  All you have to do is ask yourself one question, “Do the majority of people, as they age get shorter?” The answer is yes. Granted, there may be a variety of reasons for this but prolonged muscle tightness is one of them.  Poor posture is a contributing factor in many cases of back pain, neck pain and headaches.
Stretching postural muscles will keep you standing tall.

Stretching prepares the body for exercise and assists in relieving post-exercise aches and pains.
Stretching before exercise enables the muscle to get ready for more intense exercise. Stretching after exercise can keep the muscles from tightening as they cool down.  Muscle recovery is promoted as toxins and waste products from exercise are moved to the bloodstream prior t elimination.