Stretch Therapy
By Naresh Kumar
Human movement is more enjoyable when the body is flexible and capable of performing without restriction. Flexibility and stretching to achieve this has played a very important role for enhancing performance, rehabilitation and wellness. Athletic performance and numerous scientific studies have converged and established flexibility as the prime determinant among top athletes. Sports superstars and newborns share one thing in common – optimal flexibility.
The current environment in Hong Kong, with an increasing number of people becoming health conscious, has attracted many gyms and clubs to open and incorporate Stretch Therapy. But a busy life-style, impatience or being too focused on achieving a specific goal are aspects that could inhibit you from getting the most out of this therapy. You should really take the time to learn how to incorporate Stretch Therapy into your lifestyle in order to gain the most. Lack of knowledge about the required fitness regime or following an inappropriate programme can result in muscle stiffness and imbalance.
Trauma, overuse and age are the most common causes of muscle tightness, resulting in protective flexor postures. Our constricted gait patterns further contribute to functional muscle weaknesses. If we continue to ignore what is going on, it might seriously affect our body.
A cycle of imbalance: Habitual physical and emotional stresses and movement patterns accumulate bit by bit over time, affecting the structural integrity of the joints, which can and will result in chronic pain if postural symmetry is not balanced. By the time the injury becomes chronic, other structures are forced to compensate, leading to further damage and muscular imbalance.
Not only sports enthusiasts, but also office workers and housewives suffer from postural imbalance and stress. Most sports are “one-sided,” which causes overuse, injury and imbalance. Office workers and house wives also complain of lower back, neck sciatic pain, and old injury flair-ups.
Benefits of Stretch Therapy:
- Helps loosen, lengthen and relax your muscles to make your movements more enjoyable and free.
- Corrects postural imbalance
- Improves flexibility and strength which helps to increase energy, decrease pain and prevent further injuries.
Flexibility is also linked to other areas of health such as improved blood circulation. It can also facilitate the removal of metabolic waste products and eliminate lactic acid build-up.
One example of how this amazing therapy can help: A 72 year-old-tennis enthusiast with a bad hip participated in stretch therapy and training. He can now run as fast as people decades younger and has started to win tennis matches in more challenging categories, with amazing stamina and flexibility.
Naresh is a former Indian National Gymnast. He is trained in yoga, gymnastics, sports massage STRETCH therapy and fitness coaching to enhance physical, mental and spiritual health and helps his clients to remodel their lifestyle. He can be contacted at 9667-0940.