If you suffer from chronic pain, chances are you've been to a chiropractor. Chiropractors help realign the body to reduce pain and discomfort caused by pulled or pinched nerves and misaligned vertebrae using chiropractic manipulations. They do amazing work, especially if you see them regularly.
One thing that can help make your adjustments and relief last longer is by encorporating facilitated stretching into your routine.
Stretching involves an active approach to restoration and recovery within the body. A one-on-one stretching session will focus on movement rather than manipulation. Stretching is essentially “movement” therapy aimed at lengthening your muscles and increasing your body’s range of motion. Tight, contracted muscles can cause your vertebrae to come out of alignment frequently, no matter how often you go to the chiropractor.
The benefits of chiropractic care and stretching overlap:
Chiropractic care can help:
- Alleviate pain following a chiropractic manipulation
- Decrease recovery time from an injury
- Reduce muscle tension
- Increase your range of motion
Stretching can help:
- Prevent needless pain and injury
- Improve blood circulation
- Improve your posture & muscle imbalances and weaknesses
- Restore your body’s natural range of motion
- It can also be very relaxing and therapeutic!
What many chiropractic patients may be surprised to learn is that stretching is a great complement to chiropractic care. When combined with simple stretches and low impact exercises, chiropractic patients often find that their injuries heal faster, their pain is reduced, and they simply feel better and more energetic.
One of the biggest benefits of combing chiropractic care and stretching is that your body stays aligned longer.
Let's take your spine for example. When you stretch the muscles in your chest, shoulders, and lower back it will improve your posture by helping to keep your spine in better alignment. When your muscles are not stretched properly they begin to draw up – and it usually isn’t in a uniform or symmetrical manner.
This means that muscles on one side of your spine may draw up more than the muscles on the other side. This can result in your body being pulled to that side, causing your spine to be pulled that way. Stretching prevents this from happening and when combined with consistent chiropractic care it can ensure good spinal health.
This same concept can be applied to any other area of your body: shoulders, neck, lower back, knees.
True health and wellness means wholistic health and wellness: coupling together different methods that work cohesively towards your goals.
If you've gone to the chiropractor but never experienced a facilitated stretching session, try your first today at CNU Fit! Your first session is 55 minutes and only $50, and you can book with us here. If you’re already a member, book your next stretching session. Experience the long-term benefits of stretching now!
