flexibility: the ability to move a joint smoothly through its complete range of motion.
Flexibility of a particular joint is limited by factors such as the bony structures of joints, and the size, strength and extensibility of the muscles, ligaments, and tissues associated with the joint. Most flexibility exercises focus on improving the extensibility of muscles and associated tissues. To be effective, flexibility exercises must incorporate an element of overload. This can be achieved by
• stretching the muscle more than is normal (but within tolerance limits)
• holding a stretched position for longer than is normal
• increasing the number of stretches.
Benefits of Increased Flexibility:
Better Posture. Improved posture helps reduce the risk of injuries caused by muscular imbalances and poor postural alignment. Correction of poor posture through flexibility stretches and strengthening techniques will create muscular balance allowing daily activities to be less strenuous and much more efficient.
Increased Range of Motion Available at Joints. This will create greater mechanical efficiency and result in safe more effective movement requiring less energy from your body.
Increased Blood Supply, Nutrients, and Joint Synovial Fluid. Stretching exercises decrease synovial fluid (fluid that lubricates joint) thickness which enables blood and nutrients to be transported more readily to the given joints. This improvement in consistency may lead to decrease in degenerative joint diseases and allow for more freedom around the joint.
Reduced Muscular Soreness. Research indicates that slow stretching performed after exercise reduces or even prevents muscle soreness and in fact enhances recovery from exercise.
True Balance Addresses Flexibility by
* Conducting several flexibility and postural tests to find tight, shortened muscles.
* Prescribing a written short and feasible flexibility program for you to do on your own.
* Taking time to properly stretch you at the end of each session.
