The Benefits of Stretching and Why It Feels Good

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Article featured on Healthline

Without realizing it, many of us start our day by stretching before we even get out of bed.

Involuntary stretching of your muscles is called pandiculation. It’s a behavior seen in most types of animals to relieve muscle tension.

Few activities feel better after a period of inactivity than stretching. Stretching reduces your risk of getting injured, can induce a feeling of calmness, and is even thought to improve your circulation.

In this article, we’ll help explain why stretching feels good, explore the benefits, and provide examples of simple stretches you can do on a regular basis.

Why does stretching feel good?

Humans have a natural tendency to avoid things that cause pain and to seek activities that feel good. Stretching is no exception. Your body’s natural reward system makes stretching feel good to motivate you to keep your muscles at optimal tension.

Here’s a closer look at the reasons why stretching feels good.

Improved circulation

When you stretch a muscle, your body responds by increasing blood flow to that area. The blood vessels around the targeted muscle widen to allow more blood to flow through, and your heart starts pumping more blood.

This increase in blood flow allows the muscle or muscles you’re stretching to receive more oxygen and to get rid of metabolic waste products.

Parasympathetic activation

Research has shown that static stretching activates your parasympathetic nervous system and inhibits activation of your sympathetic nervous system.

Your parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for your rest and digestion functions. It can also help induce feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Endorphin release

Endorphins are chemicals produced by your central nervous system and pituitary gland that function as neurotransmitters. They have greater pain-relieving effects than morphine and cause a feeling of euphoria when they bind with receptors in your brain.

Endorphins are part of your body’s natural reward system and are released after activities like exercise, sex, eating, and drinking.

There’s little research on the effects of stretching on endorphin release. However, according to a 2015 perspective, stretching may help reduce menstruation pain. It’s thought that its pain-relieving effects are due to the relaxation of blood vessels, the release of beta-endorphins, and the suppression of prostaglandins.

What are the benefits of stretching?

There are many benefits to stretching your muscles regularly. Let’s look at these benefits in more detail.

Increased flexibility

Regularly stretching may help improve your flexibility, especially if you live a sedentary lifestyle. Your flexibility naturally decreases as part of the aging process, but stretching may help slow down this process.

Improved circulation

Stretching causes short-term improvements in circulation by relaxing your blood vessels and increasing the amount of blood your heart pumps.

Although it’s a fairly new area of research, it’s thought that stretching may have long-term benefits on your circulatory health, such as improved blood vessel function and lower blood pressure.

Stress relief

Static stretching activates your parasympathetic nervous system. Activating this branch of your nervous system may help alleviate the psychological effects of stress. This, in turn, may help induce feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Better sports performance

Being able to achieve a full range of motion through all your joints may help boost your sports performance. For example, to achieve maximum speed, a sprinter needs to be able to fully extend and rotate their hips.

Both static and dynamic stretching may be able to help you improve your range of motion. However, static stretching should be reserved for after workouts since it can decrease force production.

Improved posture

Muscle tightness and tension can negatively affect your posture by pulling your spine into positions that can put stress on your back, neck, and core muscles.

Research has shown that regular stretching in combination with core strengthening exercises may help improve poor posture and alignment.

Tips for stretching safely
  • Avoid stretching cold. Before you start stretching, it’s a good idea to get your blood flowing to avoid injury. Doing a low-intensity activity like walking or easy jogging for 5 minutes can help warm up your muscles.
  • Stretch gently. Don’t force any position that causes pain. If a stretch is painful, it means you’re stretching too far.
  • Make stretching a routine. You can reap the most benefits from stretching if it becomes a regular habit. Fitness experts recommend stretching at least two to three times per week.
  • Stretch both sides. Be sure to stretch both sides of your body equally to avoid flexibility imbalances.
  • Avoid bouncing. Bouncing while you’re stretching can injure your muscles or tendons. It can also make your muscle tighten.
The bottom line

Stretching tends to feel good because it activates your parasympathetic nervous system and increases blood flow to your muscles. It’s thought that stretching may also release endorphins that help to reduce pain and enhance your mood.

Besides feeling good and helping to relieve muscle tension and stress, stretching can also increase your flexibility and circulation, boost your athletic performance, and improve your posture.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about stretching, especially if you have an injury or a chronic health condition.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

7 Best Hip Flexor Stretches

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Article featured Verywellfit

The hip flexors are a group of muscles that help you move your lower body. You have hip flexors on either side of your body. They include the rectus femoris, iliacus, psoas, iliocapsularis, and sartorius muscles, which allow you to bend at the hips, lift your knees, and swivel your hips from side to side.

Hip flexor stretches may be helpful to people who experience tight hips. Whether you have a sedentary or active lifestyle, the hips can feel tight for various reasons. Opening up and relaxing the muscles in the hips and upper thighs help encourage proper movement and use of this area, which can prevent injury.

These hip flexor stretches may be especially beneficial to do before a strength training workout. While many people are aware of the need to stretch before exercise, it is a step that is often skipped. To get the most out of your workout, especially one that heavily involves the lower body and requires ample flexibility, always remember to stretch the hip flexors and related muscle groups.

Standing Lunge Stretch

Lunges are not just great exercises for the legs and glutes, they can also serve as a hip flexor stretch. You should feel the standing lunge stretch in your hip flexors, groin, and inner thighs.

  1. Stand up straight with your arms at your side.
  2. Place your hands on your hips or on your forward knee.
  3. Take a step forward with your right foot so you are standing in a split stance.
  4. Lower your right knee so it is at a 90-degree angle. Your left leg is extended straight back behind you.
  5. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds.
  6. Release and repeat on the other side.

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

For a deeper stretch, try the kneeling hip flexor stretch. You’ll need an exercise mat or soft surface to do this stretch. Here’s how:

  1. On a yoga mat or exercise mat, kneel on both knees. Your bottom should be on the heels of your feet with the balls of your feet pressed firmly against the mat.
  2. Lean forward and press your palms to the mat. Hands should be shoulder-width apart and elbows should be bent slightly to prevent them from locking.
  3. Bring your left knee forward through the gap between your arms and place your left foot flat on the mat in front of you, creating a 90-degree angle.
  4. Straighten your upper body and place both of your hands on your left knee in front of you for support and balance.
  5. Extend your right leg behind you. Your right knee should be pressed into the mat and the top of your right foot is rested on the mat.
  6. Lean forward slightly to deepen the stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
  7. Exit the stretch and repeat on the other side.

Seated Butterfly Stretch

The seated butterfly stretch is a basic stretch that opens up the hips, thighs, and groin. This stretch is great for runners or people who want to improve the flexibility in their lower body. Here’s how to do the butterfly stretch:

  1. Begin in a seated position with your legs in front of you.
  2. Grab your ankles and bring your feet closer to your groin. If needed, do this one leg at a time.
  3. Bring both feet together so the bottoms of your feet are touching.
  4. Continue to hold your ankles with your hands while using your elbows to press down on your knees.
  5. Apply gentle pressure to the knees so they get closer to the floor.
  6. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds before releasing and repeating if needed.

Basic Bridge

Basic bridges are often used as glute exercises, but they can also be used to help open up the hips. This is how to do them to really target the hip flexors:

  1. Lie on your back on an exercise mat or soft surface. Keep your hands at your sides and your knees bent.
  2. Raise your hips. Your shoulders and feet should be flat on the floor, creating a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.
  3. When you reach the top of this stretch, lift one foot off the floor at a time. This causes the hips to flex.
  4. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Then switch to the other side.

Lying Hip Flexor Stretch

Hip flexion exercises can be performed seated or standing. It’s a beginner-friendly stretch that causes the hips to flex by moving the legs. Here’s how to do lying hip flexion stretches:

  1. Lie flat on the ground. Your legs should be stretched out with your toes pointed up. Keep your hands at your sides.
  2. Bend your left knee and slowly bring it to your chest. As your knee draws nearer, wrap both of your hands around your knee.
  3. Gently pull your knee as close to your chest as possible. To make the stretch more challenging, straighten your leg and pull it closer to you with a resistance band. Rotate your hips to deepen the stretch.
  4. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
  5. Release the stretch and repeat on the right side.

Reclined Hip Stretch

The reclined hip stretch is also known as the Figure Four Piriformis Stretch. It is considered a pilates stretch, but you can incorporate it into your hip flexor stretching routine. Follow these instructions to perform this move:

  1. Lie on your back on a yoga mat. Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor.
  2. Bring your right knee closer to your chest, lifting your right foot off the mat.
  3. Bring your left knee up and rotate your left leg outward at the hip. Rest your left ankle on your right thigh above the knee.
  4. Deepen the stretch by grasping your hands behind your right thigh and pulling gently. You should feel this stretch in your left hip.
  5. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Low Lunge Twist Stretch

The low lunge twist stretch is a beginner-friendly stretch that opens up the hips and low back. If you’ve been sitting for a long period of time or need to stretch before exercising, this is a good stretch to relax tight muscles in the hips and back. To do this stretch, follow these steps:

  1. Start in a forward lunge position. Your right leg should be forward.
  2. Drop your left knee to the ground so your shin and the top of your left foot are pressed against the floor.
  3. Gently press your right elbow into the inside of your right knee. Twist your torso to the left. As you twist to the left, extend your left arm behind you.
  4. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
  5. Release the stretch and repeat on the other side.

Tight hips should not be ignored. To keep the hips fully functional and free of pain, stay active by doing exercises that involve the hips as well as performing hip flexor stretches regularly.

It is especially important to stretch throughout the day if you have a sedentary lifestyle or job that requires you to sit for long periods of time. Hip-opening stretches are also recommended before running, strength training, and playing sports. If tight hips persist, check with your doctor or physical therapist.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Daily Stretching Routine for Seniors

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From AAPTIV

Tight muscles, stiff joints, and aches and pains—aging can take a toll on your body, but the good news is that stretching can help you feel better.

Research indicates that stretching improves flexibility, promotes balance, and has the power to reduce pain or stress. Additionally, stretches that focus on posture and mobility can support daily activities and limit your risk of falling or injury.

Check out these ten easy stretches for seniors and use them to get moving in a safe way. Please be sure to get approval from your doctor before performing any of the below stretches.

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

“One of my top stretches for seniors is the hip flexor stretch because most of us spend a lot of time sitting down either in an office or at home,” says Rob Jackson, a personal trainer at London-based Minimal FIT. “This shortens the hip flexor muscles. Stretching out this area helps with posture, spine alignment, and maintenance of a good walking or running stride.”

How to do this stretch:

  • Kneel down on the floor on both knees. (Modification tip: You can kneel on a rolled-up blanket or towel if the floor hurts your knees or you’re recovering from a knee injury.)
  • Step your right foot forward and keep it flat on the floor.
  • Your right knee will be at a 90-degree angle, while your left shin is on the floor behind you with your foot stretched out.
  • Sink your body down while keeping both hands on your right knee.
  • Move your right foot farther forward to increase the stretch, and continue to sink down.
  • Maintain an upright body position, and engage your ab muscles.
  • Feel the stretch on your left hip, left quad (front of upper leg), and maybe your right hamstring (back of the upper leg and glute area).

Hold this stretch for 15-30 seconds, and then switch legs. To deepen the stretch, take deep breaths and relax on every exhalation.

Calf Stretch

“Ever feel like the back of your ankle is so tight that it becomes hard for you to squat down without losing your balance?” asks Dr. Fei Jiang, a physical therapist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center Performance Therapy in Santa Monica, California.

If so, here’s a great stretch to address calf tightness that can be done against a wall.

How to do this stretch:

  • Begin in a standing position facing a wall, and place your hands on the wall.
  • Put one leg behind you with the knee straight, and keep the other leg in front with the knee bent.
  • Keep your hips and feet pointing straight forward, with both heels down.
  • Lean toward the wall until you feel a stretch in your back lower leg and front of the hip.

Hold for 30 seconds, and then repeat three times per side.

Seated Shoulder Stretch

According to personal trainer Becky Behling, shoulders are easily injured with age, and older adults often experience tight, weak muscles in the front of the chest and the back. She loves stretching this part of the body and offers an exercise that can be done standing or from a chair or seated position.

How to do this stretch, from a chair:

  • Scoot to the front edge of your seat, and reach your hands behind to hook your fingers around the chair.
  • Use your hands to anchor this stretch—the more you move forward (away from your hands), the more intense the stretch. If your shoulders are very stiff and/or injured, this can be done one side at a time.
  • To challenge the stretch, slide your hands higher on the chair edges. Depending on shoulder mobility and height of the back of the chair, it may be possible to bring your hands to the top of the chair.

Repeat movements a few times, taking care to avoid pain in the shoulder area.

Seated Hamstring Stretch

“One of the culprits of sitting too much is the development of tight hamstrings, which can cause lower back pain with bending forward and poor posture with standing,” Dr. Jiang says. “The good news is that stretching the hamstrings is simple  and can be done just about anywhere.”

How to do this stretch:

  • Begin by sitting on a chair or bench.
  • Bring one leg straight in front, keeping your foot on the ground.
  • Maintain hips facing forward.
  • With a straight back, slowly lean forward from the hips until you feel a stretch in the back of the leg.

Hold for 30 seconds, and repeat three times per side.

Chest Stretches

If your chest or front shoulder muscles often feel tight, or your shoulders or upper back frequently feel rounded forward, then try these two stretches for seniors from a seated or standing position, notes Debra Atkinson, fitness professional and founder of Flipping 50.

How to do the first stretch:

  • From a seated or standing posture, put your fingertips close to your ears, and attempt to make elbows touch behind your head. (Hint: It’s not going to happen!)

How to do the second stretch:

  • Stand facing a wall, with your hands on the wall at about waist height. (Modification tip: You can also use a countertop.)
  • Move your feet far enough away so that your weight can go to your heels, not the balls of your feet.
  • Keep your hips slightly behind your feet as you stretch your arms out straight, similar to the position of a downward-facing dog in yoga.

Hold each one for 15 seconds, and release. Repeat two to three times.

Alternating Arm Reaches

“Having good posture not only makes you look better but also improves your balance and decreases neck pain,” Dr. Jiang says. “Poor posture is often the result of chest muscle tightness and upper back weakness, so look for stretches that help you ‘stand up taller.’”

How to do this stretch:

  • Sit tall in a chair or stand with your hips and upper back against the wall.
  • Slightly tuck your chin, and reach the top of your head toward the ceiling.
  • With straight elbows, reach up with one arm, attempting to bring it back past the ears.
  • Reach up until you feel a stretch in the front of your chest and upper back.

Hold for five seconds, and then put down your arm and repeat with the opposite arm. Do two rounds of ten sets per side.

Seated Spinal Stretch

“By the time a person becomes an octogenarian, spinal mobility has declined 25 percent in flexion, 33 percent in lateral flexion, and up to 50 percent in extension,” Behling says. “The outcomes of such decreases include pain, joint wear and tear, loss of muscle optimization, challenged mobility, and greater risk of tripping or falling.” As a result, spine stretches for seniors are key to health.

How to do this stretch:

  • From a seated position, cup your knees with the palms of your hands to create traction.
  • Round through your spine, float your chin toward your throat (not your chest), and rock toward the back of your “sit” bones.
  • Lengthen and widen your back in every direction, side-to-side, head-to-tail, and in a diagonal or spiral movement (e.g., from one sit bone toward your opposite shoulder or lengthening into the diagonal and returning).
  • Come back to upright sitting.
  • Arch your spine while releasing and widening your shoulders/chest to lift your sternum (breastbone) and face fully upward. Feel that you are now sitting forward on the sit bones.
  • Come back to upright sitting, and repeat from the beginning to move from rounded to arched position.

Repeat as many times as comfortable.

Standing Side Reach

Tasks such as grabbing objects from a high shelf at home or the grocery store can be challenging, Dr. Jiang says, because they require shoulder and trunk flexibility as well as good balance. Practicing a standing side stretch can help you reach higher surfaces easier.

How to do this stretch:

  • Sit tall in a chair or stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
  • Reach up and out toward the same side while shifting weight to the leg of the same side, as if you’re reaching up to grab an object.
  • While maintaining good balance, reach out until you feel a stretch on the side of your trunk.

Hold for five seconds, and then return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite arm. Do two rounds of ten sets per side.

Hip and Back Stretches

Though there are all kinds of ways to stretch your hips and back, Atkinson recommends two particular stretches for seniors who are able to get to the floor or a firm surface. These are passive, static stretches, so let gravity do most of the work. (Modification tip: You can prop pillows under your legs to reduce the intensity.)

How to do the first stretch:

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Cross your right leg over the left as if you’re sitting in a chair with legs crossed.
  • Lift your hips and move them to the right a few inches before setting back down.
  • Open your arms out to the right and left, and attempt to keep your upper back on the floor.
  • Allow your legs to fall to the left, and let your hips and lower back relax. Repeat on the other side.

How to do the second stretch:

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Widen your feet to a yoga-mat-width apart.
  • Allow both of your knees to fall to the left side.
  • Try to keep your upper back and shoulder blades down.
  • If this is enough and you’re feeling a stretch, stop. If you need more stretch, place your left ankle on top of your right knee, hold, and then repeat on the other side.

Hold and breathe from each stretch for up to a minute.

Arm Across Chest Reach

“Being able to twist from your trunk not only helps you with dance moves but also increases the ease with the following functional movements: rolling over in bed, grabbing your seat belt, reaching across the table, and swinging arms as you walk,” Dr. Jiang explains.

How to do this stretch:

  • Sit tall in a chair or stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
  • Reach horizontally across your chest while twisting from the upper trunk.
  • While maintaining good balance, reach until you feel a stretch through the upper back.

Hold for five seconds, and then return to starting position and repeat with the opposite arm. Do two rounds of ten sets per side.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.