Why do I need to Stretch?
In today's world the nature of our lifestyle is much less active.
We have, over the last few years become much more sedentary. This is mainly due to the advances in technology. Sitting becomes the most commonly performed
action. We no longer need to stand up and take down files or even go to the fax and copy machines. We do it all on our PC.
When we sit with our knees bent, the three hamstring muscles relax, they attach on our 'sit bones' (ischial tuberosities)
and partly the back of the Femur. At the other end they attach below the inside and outside of the knee. They are in essence a postural muscle responsible for controlling
the strong quadriceps on the front of our legs. They need to remain in a state of constant readiness, called resting tone.
If shortened for any length of time, small receptors in the muscles called 'muscle spindles' measure their length, send messages via the spine to reduce the resting tone length.
This is why after being seated for any length of time at a desk or in a car, plane, train or sofa, the act of standing become difficult as the muscles have become shortened.
Stretching helps to re-set the resting tone to be longer
Other muscles commonly shortened
In the side of the neck when holding the telephone for long calls regularly, ladies check out the raised muscles when trying on that nice summer dress that always slips of the
shoulder. The back of the neck when slouching on your chair gazing at the lap top or screen that is too far away from you. A classic for developing that
headache that comes on later in the day! Those Psoas or Hip flexors that attach fom the inside of your upper leg, head through the and under your tummy vessels
to a fix to the front of the lumbar veterbrae, when you stand up they are tight and create a bigger dip in your low back, this can make your tummy look larger and
bloated. Wearing High Heals shortens the calf muscles making wearing flat sandal painful in the achilles tendon.
Is it wise to see an Osteopath before starting regular stretches?
Probably a good thing as the osteopath will be able to assess the quality
of the muscles and their respective functions. This allows the osteopath to advise
which stretches are more beneficial and specific to you
and the envirnment you are in. Book an appointment to see your local
Osteopath or feel free to email us here at
enquiries@theosteopath.net
with any difficulties you may be experiencing.
The Osteopath When visiting an Osteopath with
chronic or acute problems, you are assessed and treated with a view
to prevention of further injury, combined with corrective exercise.
The Osteopath is empathetic to the patients need to establish a
speedy recovery of the body and return to the achievement of
intended goals.
