Stretching - how painful?!
Discussion
After a long period (about 10 years!) of not being able to do much exercise due to a health problem, I'm slowly getting back together. Only thing is I've seized up completely. I can barely bend enough to touch my knees, let alone my toes. Trying to stretch myself out isn't just a bit uncomfortable, it's not even painful, it feels like someone is taking to the backs of my knees and hips and lower back with an axe, repeatedly!
What's the way forward?! Is it a case of grin and bear it or am I missing a trick?
What's the way forward?! Is it a case of grin and bear it or am I missing a trick?
Do it after a hot bath or just after getting out of bed when your body is warm. Alternatively, jog on the spot and flap your arms like you're trying to take off until you feel warm. In other words, warm up before stretching. And hold the position rather than bounce. You don't have to put any effort into it, really. Just bend forwards and relax in that position. Your body's weight will gently stretch the back of your legs without feeling like someone's stabbing a knife into them.
Two tips - one, when you stretch the body will tighten as a defence against you hurting yourself. So stretch to a point where it is STARTING to hurt and wait, at least 15-20 secs. AFter this time the body will realise you arent about to rip apart and relax. At this point come a little way out of the stetch and then slowly back into it - you shuld find you go further as the body wont tighten up on you. Its the reason bouncing is dumb as the body just reacts against the movement.
Tip two - massage. I now get a legs massage twice a month and my flexibility and general leg tightness (from playing a lot of sports) is sooo much better.
Tip two - massage. I now get a legs massage twice a month and my flexibility and general leg tightness (from playing a lot of sports) is sooo much better.
Tiggsy said:
Two tips - one, when you stretch the body will tighten as a defence against you hurting yourself. So stretch to a point where it is STARTING to hurt and wait, at least 15-20 secs. AFter this time the body will realise you arent about to rip apart and relax. At this point come a little way out of the stetch and then slowly back into it - you shuld find you go further as the body wont tighten up on you. Its the reason bouncing is dumb as the body just reacts against the movement.
Tip two - massage. I now get a legs massage twice a month and my flexibility and general leg tightness (from playing a lot of sports) is sooo much better.
I like the sound of tip two, I think that may have a happy ending Tip two - massage. I now get a legs massage twice a month and my flexibility and general leg tightness (from playing a lot of sports) is sooo much better.
Good tips though, I've never held it for more than 5 seconds because of the pain, so maybe a bit less and a bit longer may start to get somewhere!
Davi said:
Good tips though, I've never held it for more than 5 seconds because of the pain, so maybe a bit less and a bit longer may start to get somewhere!
Ok....here's a 5 sec stretch:in second 1 the muscle detects a stretch close to its limit and tightens the muscle to keep it from that limit.
in seconds 2 and 3 that contraction tightens more.
In second 4 it will stabilise and decided to hold it tight for a good 15 seconds until danger of over stretch passes.
In second 5 you back off!
Oh, and if you can get aroused during a sports massage you have serious issues! Erotic it is not! (unless you like pain!)
That would explain the lack of progress
Mind you that said I haven't seen her for 15 years either, she may be rough as old boots by now
Tiggsy said:
Oh, and if you can get aroused during a sports massage you have serious issues! Erotic it is not! (unless you like pain!)
You've not seen the lass who used to give me them Mind you that said I haven't seen her for 15 years either, she may be rough as old boots by now
You get what you pay for. PNF is easy, it's just a matter of knowledge... that usually involves a bit of cash to acquire or to pay for someone who has that knowledge.
Lower back/hamstring stretching is a common need and an easy fix. You can expect to gain a few inches each session.
Take it from me, you will gain more through PNF, more quickly, with less hastle and it will be longer lasting than any other form of stretching, combined.
I love science and most of all it's applicability!
It you ever find yourself in Northampton, give me a call, I'll give you a session you won't ever forget.
Lower back/hamstring stretching is a common need and an easy fix. You can expect to gain a few inches each session.
Take it from me, you will gain more through PNF, more quickly, with less hastle and it will be longer lasting than any other form of stretching, combined.
I love science and most of all it's applicability!
It you ever find yourself in Northampton, give me a call, I'll give you a session you won't ever forget.Probably not as the stretching would start at T1, although the lateral, medial, posterior and anterior ligaments interconnect between vertabrae. C5 would likely be attached to T1 as perhaps would the Multifides muscle which originates and inserts at 2-4 vertebrae intervals at a time. I'd have to look it up to be sure, but obviously always would before doing such a session.
Before starting any professional activity you would be responsible to tell your trainer, physio, doc any and all possible issues with your body, as you are the one who knows it best. Indeed, you would have to sign some documents in advance that says you will do this.
In the meantime, as with anything, if in doubt, consult a doc!
Before starting any professional activity you would be responsible to tell your trainer, physio, doc any and all possible issues with your body, as you are the one who knows it best. Indeed, you would have to sign some documents in advance that says you will do this.
In the meantime, as with anything, if in doubt, consult a doc!
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