Did You Know Stretching on Your Own Comes with Risks?
While it's true that people can stretch on their own, there's something to be said about stretch therapy. A professional stretch practitioner will be able to deliver great results! Most importantly, since there are a number of risks with self-stretching, it's also the safest thing to do.
Assisted Stretching vs. Self-Stretching
Assisted stretching involves a trained professional helping you to stretch your body. Having a friend or partner pull your legs for you is significantly different from seeing a professional. A friend might not know how to isolate the muscle groups for a proper stretch.
Self-stretching is rather self-explanatory in itself. Practically everyone does this whether physical activities are involved, or a workout. It's a great way for post-workout soreness to dissipate and for muscles to stay healthy. When people experience tightness in some areas, chances are high they will need to stretch also.
Regular stretching can help you be more flexible and move better. You can improve your flexibility in several ways. The best and easiest is to visit a stretch practitioner to help you move better.
Self-Stretching Risks
New to stretching? You should be kept updated on possible risks! Even if you have a limited range of motion or are trying a new stretch, injuries can occur if you attempt to stretch on your own. People whose range of motion and flexibility is limited need to be aware of this in particular.
Here are some of the risks that come with stretching on your own:
Improper Stretching
Stretching incorrectly is risked by far too many people because they do not pay attention to their own stretching techniques. Form and technique are key components to getting the most out of a stretch. You need to slowly and gradually position yourself for the most impressive results and to avoid injury.
That said, you should not try to stretch while holding your breath because that makes your body tense up. Instead, you should breathe regularly while stretching slowly and gradually.
Other common errors include:
Bouncing while stretching
Holding a stretch for too long
Not holding a stretch long enough
Stretching until discomfort kicks in
Trying to stretch muscles that have not been warmed up
Overstretching
This is easily one of the biggest risks of self-stretching. It gets triggered when the tissue's length is greater than the ability to control it. When muscles are overstretched, that means they've been stretched beyond natural elasticity. This leads both joints and muscles to come off as lax.
Injuries are then more likely over the easiest of tasks, including reaching for things or walking.
Stretching In the Wrong Style
There are many ways that you can stretch a muscle. Incorrectly preparing your muscles can increase your chances of getting injured, as the muscles were not properly prepared.
Conclusion
Stretching is incredibly helpful to a person in several ways. However, self-stretching comes with a number of risks; assisted stretching is the better route to take. Risks include improper stretching, such as holding a stretch for too long, and overstretching.
Need stretching classes in Perth? Check out Stretch Studio today! We’re the first one-on-one assisted stretching concept in Australia.