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Should I Stretch Or Exercise When In Pain?

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Painful Stretch

Stretching and exercising is a great way to get the body moving again although when in pain it can cause some unwanted aches and pains!

There is no right or wrong when it comes to mobilising joints when they are stiff but when an acute condition arises rest is usually best!

Stretching when in pain can actually hinder recovery and strain the muscles associated with the issue at hand! The goal when stretching is to help prevent things from getting tight to begin with although when there is a muscle strain pulling it into lengthened positions can damage the muscle.

Exercise on the otherhand can be great when done for mobility only during acute pain. Usually walking or swimming can help mobilise areas of concern given muscles the ability to function without them getting weak and tight throughout the recovery process. Exercise in strenuous matters should be limited as compressive forces or jolting exercises can cause damage to the area of concern.

If you are currently struggling to move and and unable to walk it is probably best to see a professional before engaging in any physical types of activity especially if you are immobile.

The goal with both exercise and stretching when in pain is to comfortably move areas that are in pain without causing more discomfort. There are many variations and exercises to do depending on the condition and this can be tailored into a rehab plan when you see one of our healthcare professionals.

If you are currently suffering from any aches or pains our team of chiropractors and Remedial Massage Therapists are experienced in musculoskeletal injuries and have the ability to point you in the right direction with exercise and stretching activities!

For more on what to expect on your first chiropractic visit or to find out more about our team of chiropractors at our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows or Fawkner Chiropractic locations you can click on the links provided. You can always contact us or book online @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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How Important Is Stretching?

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Stretching Outdoors

Stretching is a great way to get the body moving although there are many different methods to either warm up your body, increase your flexibility or just help stretch an uncomfortable tight muscle!

The most popular methods of stretching include static, dynamic and PNF stretching. Each of these involve different techniques to get a muscle moving for the better.

Static Stretching

Static stretching is great for tight muscles to improve discomfort or pain you are feeling. The great thing about static stretching is that it is simple and effective and can be done even in front of your desk at work! A simple stretch at the desk is our go to which is the common neck stretch which is done by pulling your head towards one side of the body and holding it!

Dynamic Stretching

Dynamic stretching is a fantastic way to get limbered up for a run, a workout or even for a game of soccer. Unlike static stretching which can hinder performance in sporting events, dynamic stretching allows for an increase in blood flow and heart rate and usually involves moving muscles needed for the activity at hand. A simple dynamic stretch before a run can be leg swings which involves 10 or more repetitions each side yo get the benefits!

PNF Stretching

PNF stretching also known as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, involves a muscle to be stretched and then forced into a push before further stretching the muscle. PNF stretching has great benefits when it comes to improving flexibility. The goal of this stretch is to enhance mobility but also decrease chances of muscles seizing up and becoming weak!

How Does Stretching Help?

Apart from the above variations of stretching the benefits out way the risks. Unlike heavy exercises and strenuous activities, stretching requires minimal energy expenditure and can give immense relief when put into a daily routine.

Will Stretching Improve Hip & Back Pain?

This is all dependant on whether you have hip instability. Other factors of back pain stem further than just muscle pain. Our body also has issues both with joints, ligaments and tendons and this can be true not just for low back pain but for neck, Shoulder and other joint pains!

If you are someone that is currently suffering from back pain and are looking for a solution, our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor may be able to help you out! We offer chiropractic care, pregnancy care, Paediatric care, Dry Needling, Cupping Therapy and Remedial Massage Therapy. Online bookings are available 24/7 or call our clinic on 9302 1023 to schedule an appointment!

Our Locations

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Benefits of Walking for Musculoskeletal health?

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Walking and it's benefits

Walking is a simple task that is both low force and easy to complete without the need for equipment. Exercise in general whether it be running swimming or walking are all great ways to help improve your health and wellbeing and should be implemented on a day to day basis!

What Are The Benefits of Walking?

  • Walking helps decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Decreased risk of Type 2 Diabetes
  • Walking increases mobility within the joints 
  • Walking can have an effect on back pain and may reduce symptoms
  • Walking is a great way of losing weight when paired with a diet
  • Helps decrease stress
  • Walking improves both energy levels and mood due to a release of endorphins
  • Increases blood circulation throughout the body
  • Increases mobility within the spine
  • Increases flexibility and helps improve posture
  • Helps strengthen low back and leg muscles to enhance spinal health
  • Helps prevent low back pain and tension within the area

*Note: Outdoor exercise exposes you to the sun which enables the body to absorb Vitamin D which is essential for bone density (Don’t forget to SLIP SLOP SLAP!)

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Walking in the sun (Great Source of Vitamin D)

What are some simple ways to increase the amount of walking you do daily?

  • Walking groups, walking with friends or family
  • Walking the dog if possible
  • Using an electronic ddevice that counts your steps to keep you motivated.
  • Warming up/Cooling down at the gym on the treadmill helps increase overall steps
  • Using timers/alarms to help you get up from your desk from long hours of seated activity to move around goes a long way when it comes to physical activity.

When is Walking Considered Not Advantageous?

  • If you are wearing incorrect footwear (can cause plantar fasciitis)
  • Existing conditions/injuries where walking can aggravate the area
  • Acute inflammation of the lower limbs may cause more damage
  • Tears in either the ankle or knee
  • History of swelling or cold feet
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Bad Footwear (Running shoes are ideal)

Walking May Improve Medical Conditions Aswell!

Studies have shown that people who suffer with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can benefit from physical activity as it helps support the cardiovascular system and strengthen it to improve circulation around the body!

Walking is also great for people suffering from osteoarthritis or any other bone degenerative diseases as low impact activities enable the body to renew areas of bone degeneration to help minimize the progressive degeneration occurring.

If you have any other questions or would like to book in an appointment don’t hesitate to give our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor a Call on 9302 1023 or alternatively can book online using the link below!

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https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/