Tags & Description
Benefits of flexibility
healthy muscles and joints, mental health, relieves cramps, improves posture, prevents low back paint, prevents falls, relieves chronic pain
Flexibility
the achievable range of motion at a joint or group of joints without causing injury
Sublaxation
partial dislocation of a joint
Stretching
moving joints beyond the accustomed range of motion
What affects flexibility?
joint structure, adipose tissue, muscular elasticity and genetics, body temp, age, gender, level of physical activity
The most significant contributor to reduced flexibility?
Sedentary lifestyle
Testing Flexibilty
Sit-and-Reach Test, Total Body Rotation Test, Back Stretch Test, Hamstring Looseness Test
Sit-and-Reach
Legs extended, reach towards toes and measure how far you can go; can modify by sitting on a chair
Total Body Rotation
arms out fingers touching the wall, rotate backwards, measure rotation
Back Stretch Test
One hand over shoulder, one under, reach for fingertips, measure distance between fingertips
Hamstring Looseness
Touch Toes; can be limited by large abdomen
Static Stretching
slow-sustained stretching (30 sec)
Active Stretching
position held by strength of a muscle being stretched (ex. yoga poses)
Passive Stretching
External force applied to extended range of motion (ex. someone else applying force)
Ballistic Stretching
fast bouncing motion to achieve greater degree of stretch, high likelihood of injury
Dynamic Stretching
speed of movement, momentum, active muscular effort (ex. arm circles, lunges)
Controlled Ballistic Stretching
bouncing movement at end range
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
contract/relax movement; meant to move through planes; requires assistance of another person
2 sensory organs (proprioceptors) that protect muscles from injury from stretching
muscle spindles, golgi tendon organ
Intensity
only to the point of mild discomfort
Volume
each exercise should be repeated 2-4 times to achieve 60 sec per exercise
Frequency
2-3 days a week minimum, 5-7 days a week ideal
Mode
static, dynamic, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, controlled ballistic training
Repetitions
repeat each exercise 2-4 times holding each one between 10-30 seconds with a total of 60 seconds for each exercise performed
When should you perform flexibility?
following cardiorespiratory or strength-training exercises, or as a stand alone program
Contraindicated Exercises
can be hazardous if performed incorrectly
What % of the population experiences back pain?
60-80%
Low back pain is frequently associated with this action.
Twisting a loaded spine
Brain is hardwired to the back, what happens when you’re stressed?
Back muscles contract
Posture
relationship between body parts
When is pain considered chronic?
12 weeks/3 months