Not a week goes by where someone doesn’t ask me what the best stretch is for [insert body part].
Why are they asking?
Well… usually it’s because they’ve been stretching now for a period of time… pretty religiously… but still…
They just aren’t loosening up.
Do you suffer from chronic muscle tightness and ever wonder…
Why aren’t my stretches working?
Perhaps you’ve Googled and YouTubed every stretch under the sun but you still haven’t gained an ounce of mobility…
There Are a Few Reasons Why All Your Stretching Efforts Might Not be Doing Anything For You.
It could be your technique, it could be you’re doing the wrong stretch, or it could be that you just shouldn’t be stretching at all!
Let’s go over the different reasons why your stretching routine could be failing you – and most importantly – what you can do about it…
1. You’re Doing it Wrong.
When it comes to stretching technique, one of the biggest problems I see is not relaxing enough.
If you’re tense, or gripping your muscles at the same time you’re stretching, it won’t work very well. It’s important to breathe and move easily into any stretch you’re doing. If you try to force it or push through pain, you’ll likely tense up.
Now let’s say you’re doing everything right (not tensing or gripping) but your stretches still don’t seem to work.
Some people (myself included) respond better to “moving stretches”.
This is where instead of holding one static position for a prolonged period, you repeatedly move through one or several end-range stretches.
Moving neck rolls are a great example of this.
If you’ve been diligently stretching and not seeing the results you want, try adjusting your technique. Moving stretches might be a better strategy than static holding. I know it is for me.
2. You’re Doing the Wrong Type of Stretch.
This one could be a little tougher to figure out on your own. There is a difference between corrective stretching and stretching to feel good.
For example, let’s say your back is tightening up because you’ve been under a lot of stress or you just did a lot of activity that stiffens up your back…
Generic back stretches such as bringing your knees to your chest, or child’s pose may be all you need to quickly get rid of the general stiffness you’re experiencing.
But let’s say you have associated back pain, or pain and numbness running down your leg…
In these instances – generic back stretches won’t work – or could even make you worse.
You likely need corrective stretches, like what we prescribe for patients in our office.
Corrective stretches are specifically prescribed to address symptoms, and are very different from the generalized stretches that are designed to feel good and relieve tension.
3. You Shouldn’t be Stretching at all.
Did you know that chronic muscle tightness can be a sign of a weakness?
This is a very common problem I see. I’ve seen many folks over the years with chronic tightness and discomfort in their neck, backs, hips, etc. – and no matter how often they stretch or massage, it doesn’t improve.
How does this happen?
Well, groups of muscles are connected by this substance called fascia. If one group of muscles in the “fascial line” are not doing their job – a different group of muscles will have to take up the slack.
When muscles are tasked with more work than they are intended for, they can become tight.
For example, if your deep core is not working properly, then the front of your neck will often kick in and try to help. If your neck is always sore or tight after a good ab workout – this is what could be happening.
Stretching your neck won’t help one bit in this case – because what you need to be doing instead is strengthening your core.
I see this same pattern with tight hip flexors. Once people start strengthening their core properly – the chronic tightness magically melts away.
Take home point…
When we are attacking the correct problem and doing the right thing – our body will respond.
If you’ve been stretching and stretching and not seeing results…
Something is missing.
Furthermore – if the chronic tightness you’re experiencing is interfering with things you love to do – then you should consider taking action.
The longer your problem goes on… the more time it has to develop into a more complicated fix.
If you’re suffering from any kind of pain or tightness that is keeping you from doing the things you love – specialists at my clinic are here to help!
CLICK HERE to request a Free Discovery Session with a specialist at my clinic.
We love offering this complimentary service…
It keeps us from taking on clients who aren’t a good fit and who won’t actually benefit from our help.
So there is absolutely NO RISK in requesting a Discovery Visit.
Plus… it gives us a chance to speak with and help people who many times didn’t even realize there was a solution to their problem.
I can’t tell you how many people have taken advantage of one of our Discovery Visits only to thank us at the end. Because they thought they just had to live with their problem.
Trupti graduated with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from UNC- Chapel Hill in 2001. She has furthered her studies with numerous post-graduate courses focusing on the Neck, shoulder, knee, and back, with a strong emphasis in manual therapy. Recently completed courses in Maitland-Australian Physiotherapy Seminars (Levels 1- 5), has afforded her an excellent way to relieve pain and help people get moving, active and healthy quickly and effectively.
With 20+ years of experience in Physical Therapy, Trupti has practiced in various orthopedic and sports focused clinical settings, in both the Raleigh-Durham, NC and DC regions. She has been Director of multiple Physical therapy Clinics in DC and also worked with some renowned specialists at Georgetown University Hospital in DC. During her years of service, Trupti has had the privilege of caring for a wide variety of clients: from school-aged children to retirees; from homemakers to business professionals; from weekend warriors to professional athletes.
Trupti is an avid fan of the outdoors, art, traveling and of course the Tar Heels. She enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew.
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