If you suffer from chronic pain, stiff ligaments, tight muscles, or frequent injuries, Dr. Damion Loperfito may prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises on top of any joint adjustments or other treatments you may need.
These exercises can play a vital role in helping you regain control of your body, improve your range of motion, and enjoy a more pain-free lifestyle. Here's a look at some of the remarkable ways stretching and strengthening exercises can boost your quality of life, along with some specific examples of exercises Dr. Loperfito might recommend.
The Value of Stretching and Strengthening Your Body
Exercise, in general, has shown some important benefits for individuals struggling with injuries, chronic pain, and other musculoskeletal problems. For instance, aerobic exercise enhances blood circulation and fluid drainage, which can help control swelling and feed more healing oxygen to the tissues.
Stretching and strengthening exercises promise some special benefits of their own. Stretches can release pent-up muscle tension and limber up the tissues to ease muscle spasms, making the everyday motion more comfortable, and reduce your injury risk. Strengthening also reduces injury risk by granting extra stability to the key muscle groups that maintain your posture, symmetry, and balance.
Stretching Exercises to Keep Your Tissues Flexible
Dr. Loperfito will evaluate your current range of motion and medical status before prescribing stretching exercises. Common stretches that help to manage pain and improve flexibility include:
- Forward, backward, and side neck tilts to loosen neck muscles.
- Range of motion stretches to relax the muscles of the neck.
- Upper extremity stretches to improve tone of the shoulders, arms, wrist, and hands.
- Active and passive stretches to improve flexibility.
Strengthening Exercises to Support Your Musculoskeletal System
Strengthening exercises typically target the muscle groups responsible for maintaining musculoskeletal alignment. Dr. Loperfito may recommend a routine that includes:
- Isometric and isotonic strengthening for the muscles that support the head and neck.
- Reclined, seated, and standing exercises that work both the back and the chest.
- Gymnastic exercise ball and resistance bands/tubing to improve strength and tone.
- Tabletop and postural exercises to strengthen core muscles.
Call your Dynamic Care team at (407) 767-2000 for more information on how stretching and strengthening exercises can help you feel and function better!