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Physical therapist suggests stretching in sedentary lifestyle
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Constant sitting is the cause of stiff muscles, which can lead to lower flexibility over time, therefore it is important to stretch. (Shutterstock/Rawpixel.com)
W
hen working in an office and sitting in front of the computer for hours, taking breaks to stretch your legs and other body parts is highly recommended.
Medical Daily points out that constant sitting is the cause of stiff muscles that can lead to lower flexibility over time, therefore it is important to stretch.
Referring to a study published in Journal of Physiotherapy, the benefits of stretching are not limited to healthy muscles alone, as it can be an alternative to exercise to help lower blood glucose levels.
David Nolan, a physical therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Medical Daily that it may have taken a person many months to get tight muscles, so one or two sessions of stretching is not sufficient to make someone perfectly flexible.
“It takes weeks to months to get flexible, and you’ll have to continue working on it to maintain it,” David was quoted as saying.
However, David also says that not every muscle needs attention, and there are key parts of the body that require regular stretching.
“The areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis and quadriceps in the front thigh,” said David.
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An article in WebMD notes that tense muscles were among possible symptoms of stress that also included headaches, nausea and insomnia, among others. It emphasizes the importance of stretching, that even when it’s done for a short period of time, it can help blood circulation and improve energy levels.
Just remember to not start with stretches if you plan to exercise.
According to orthopedic surgeon Daniel Gurley of HCA Midwest Health, it is more important to warm up before stretching with activities such as a light jog or calisthenics.
Stretching before activities could actually lead to increased chances of pulling a muscle and injury. (acr/mut)
