Michigan Stretch Therapy

Static stretching is when we hold a stretch for a long duration. A dynamic warm up is where one uses movement to lengthen and contract different groups of muscles in preparation for activity. Remember that static stretching (whether that be individual or partner assisted) should be performed after the activity or on an off day. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

Stretching can increase blood flow to the extremities, which helps transport oxygen and nutrients to cells and muscles.? If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

Sitting at a desk for most of the day? Take a few moments to stand, rest your hands and forearms on a door frame, and gently lean in until a comfortable stretch is felt across the chest. Hold it for 20 seconds and repeat 3 times. This will help counter the slouched posture that we tend to fall into as we work on our computers. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

As important as stretching is regarding the goal of muscle health, it is just one component. Strengthening and aerobic exercises, along with diet and proper sleep patterns are also necessary. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

Muscle cramps can occur due to a number of reasons, including:? ·??????Overuse - Straining or overusing a muscle is the most common cause of muscle cramps.? ·??????Dehydration - Not drinking enough fluids, especially in hot conditions, can lead to dehydration and low blood volume, which can affect muscles.? ·??????Low electrolytes - Low levels of minerals like potassium, calcium, or magnesium can cause muscle cramps.? ·??????Nerve compression - Pressure on nerves in the spine or a pinched nerve in the neck or back can cause cramping pain in the extremities.? ·??????Reduced blood flow - A narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs can cause cramping pain during exercise.? ·??????Other factors - Other factors that may contribute to muscle cramps include poor conditioning, poor muscle tone, inadequate diet, and excessive perspiration. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

Good posture starts at your sternum (chest plate). The sternum should face forward and slightly upward. To help with this and prevent slouching at the computer, try placing a wedge under your keyboard. This will bring the keyboard up and towards you so you won't have to hunch over when typing. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

Why are tight hamstrings bad? Tight hamstrings can lead to?lower back pain, bad posture, imbalances of muscles, and knee pain. If your hamstrings aren't flexible enough they will be more susceptible to injury. Once your hamstrings are tight, other muscle groups will follow resulting in stiff joints and posture problems. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

Facet joints in the spine control how are spine moves. Their orientation also varies from cervical to thoracic to lumbar. Looking at the very last lumbar facet joints, they are oriented to create more stability against anterior translation (forward movement) then the other lumbar facets. This is why good hip flexibility is critical for good back health. If someone does not move well through the hips, compensations will occur in the low back. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

Maintaining muscle health is essential for overall fitness and flexibility. Regular stretching enhances blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and improves range of motion, preventing injury and supporting long-term mobility and strength. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

If you have a sitting job, try sitting with your hip higher than your knees. This will trigger a postural reflex that will help maintain a more normal lordotic curve in the lumbar spine. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.