Increasing Flexibility through Natural Health Remedies and Physical Therapy Exercises
By: Tom Maroney

“Flexibility” is widely defined as the body’s ability to move a joint smoothly through its complete range of motion. Many among us are likely not aware of that definition, or exactly what it means; many more of us are likely not aware of just how much our full flexibility has been reduced—and continues to be reduced on a daily basis—and how such developments can hinder our lives.

As we age, our muscles tighten and our flexibility decreases. And, while we may prefer to believe otherwise, flexibility is not just an issue for gymnasts, ballet dancers and basketball players. Decreased flexibility can lead to, among other things, immobility, back, neck and shoulder pain, and even injury. It can prohibit us from participating in recreational sports and exercise, and can lead to poor posture and weight gain. What’s more, flexibility is crucial to our performing even the simplest quotidian tasks—everything from reaching that jar on the shelf to bending down to pick up the newspaper. Frequently, those suffering from neck and shoulder pain, as well as those seeking lower back pain relief or muscle pain relief, are unaware that reduced flexibility is at the core of their ills. Fortunately, flexibility can be increased through a broad range of activities and treatments, including natural health remedies and physical therapy exercises.

Fundamentals of Stretching

The primary practice for increasing one’s flexibility is stretching. This can include simple physical therapy exercises, or more advanced exercises requiring equipment ranging from exercise balls to resistance bands and Pilates equipment.

Simple stretches include things like hamstring, calf, chest, shoulder and quadriceps’ stretches—these are all rudimentary exercises that should be practiced three to five days per week for approximately 10 minutes per day.

“Simply put, one should commit to some sort of stretching regimen,” says Allyson Tambor, D.C., a certified-applied kinesiologist based out of Long Beach, NY. “It takes little time, and the payoff is enormous.”

Similar stretches include spinal twists, forearm stretches, inner-thigh stretches, triceps’ stretches and back (or “cat”) stretches.

Stretching is beneficial in so many ways beyond increasing flexibility: It helps to relieve muscle soreness, improve coordination, posture and blood flow, and to reduce stress. Taking these steps—and, most importantly, sticking with them—will encourage a lifetime of good health.

Getting Serious: Advanced Physical Therapy Exercises

For those looking for more advanced physical therapy exercises, certain pieces of equipment are necessary. For example, resistance bands are among the most versatile, portable, inexpensive and just plain effective tools for not only increasing flexibility, but also strength training. One can do a total-body resistance-band workout—which includes exercises like squats, lunges, triceps’ extensions, lat pulls, and bicep curls—which is safer than and superior to traditional workouts. Resistance bands can also deepen one’s stretching regimen and enhance increased flexibility.

Exercise balls and Pilates’ equipment are generally more cumbersome and costly than resistance bands, but they are useful for increasing flexibility. People can do a series of simple stretches with an exercise ball that will not only increase flexibility, but balance and coordination, too. Many Pilates’ exercises can also be accomplished with resistance bands and exercise balls; some only require a floor mat. Others may require more advanced equipment as well as training.

Oh! What a Relief

Keep in mind, increasing flexibility is not just about getting in shape and staying in shape; it’s crucial for simply feeling one’s best on a daily basis.

Many believe that physical pain is best addressed by rest and inert rehabilitation (i.e., staying in bed or on the couch), but quite often, just the opposite is true.

“Those suffering from aches and pains will frequently find that, simply by increasing one’s flexibility, those pains will diminish and often disappear,” says Thomas K. Wright, certified personal fitness trainer, Washington D.C.”

For those seeking lower back pain relief or muscle pain relief, a simple stretching regimen can provide expedient and satisfying results. Neck and shoulder pain can also be significantly reduced. Finally, natural health remedies such as yoga and massage therapy are also beneficial.

Just Do It!

Working to increase flexibility should not be a short-term goal, but a long-term commitment. These physical therapy exercises and natural health remedies ensure not only flexibility, but considerable overall health benefits. You won’t just feel better—you’ll find yourself more efficient at work and more comfortable in social settings. You’ll move better, sleep better and look better. Remember, flexibility isn’t just for gymnasts

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Tom Maroney, CEO of Banner Therapy Products in Asheville, NC, was a practicing N.Y. attorney for many years prior to being in a terrible car accident. As the result of severe neck and brain injuries, he was exposed to many rehabilitative products, first hand. This experience prompted him to become an investor, advisor and later CEO, of Banner Therapy Products. Since the inception of the company, 10 years ago, the company has gone from carrying 400 to 6,000 products. His wife, Dianne, is a principal in the business as well and has a medical background in neurology. Currently, she works with children to assist in analyzing medical disabilities. Tom and Dianne continue to travel the world seeking out new products. Email service@bannertherapy.com or visit www.bannertherapy.com for more information.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated