ProRehab Tells The Truth About Stretching Before Exercise And Injuries
Multiple research studies show that stretching before physical activity alone does not help prevent injury. ProRehab physical therapists are the best choice for patient education and outcomes because they use the latest scientific evidence, rather than myths couched as conventional wisdom.
Evansville, IN (Vocus/PRWEB) December 14, 2010
Almost any physical therapist, athletic trainer, or sports medicine physician would answer “yes” if asked if people should stretch before exercise. However, this individual would be hard pressed to show research that supports this claim. In fact, multiple research studies show that stretching before physical activity alone does not help prevent injury. ProRehab physical therapists are the best choice for patient education and outcomes because they use the latest scientific evidence, rather than myths couched as conventional wisdom.
The New York Times discusses the myth of stretching to prevent injuries in a 2008 article. A study conducted at the University of Nevada found that athletes generated less force in their leg muscles after static stretching. “This is a neuromuscular inhibitory response to static stretching,” says Malachy McHugh, the director of research at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. The stretched muscle will stay weak for up to 30 minutes, making the occurrence of injury more likely while the muscle is weak.
“Things such as fitness and strength have been proven as more important in the prevention of injuries than stretching,” explains Kelli Goedde, PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist at ProRehab in Evansville, Indiana. “In other words, it’s not that stretching shouldn’t be a part of a work out, but is best in conjunction with other factors.”
A November 2010 study in the British Journal of Sport Medicine surveyed 2377 adults, who regularly participate in physical activity, for 12 weeks to research the effects of static stretching before exercise on injury. It was found that stretching alone does little more than reduce bothersome soreness. Furthermore, in a 2008 study by the Centers for Disease Control, it was found that knee injuries among female college soccer players were cut in half when they followed warm-up routine that included both dynamic exercises and static stretching.
Duane Knudson, a professor of kinesiology at California State University, recommends warming up the body and loosening muscles by starting with aerobic activity, usually light jogging. Ever seen marathoners stride before starting a race? They are trying to warm up their body. This part of the warm-up should only take 10-15 minutes and include a 5 minute recovery. Next, dynamic stretching (stretching while moving) that is specific to the sport should be incorporated. For example, runners should do squats and lunges. This will increase power, flexibility, and range of motion.
“In order to treat patients effectively, all physical therapists must be familiar with current research,” says Brian Kelly, DPT, SCS, ATC, COMT, ProRehab physical therapist. “The latest scientific evidence about stretching before work-outs is a great example that advancements are constantly made in research and health care. ProRehab physical therapists are responsible for making sure that patients receive the best treatment possible, based on the newest research. At ProRehab we incorporate the latest and best research into patient care with continuing education, professional development, and training activities.”
Patients have a choice regaurding which physical therapist they see when a physician refers them to physical therapy. ProRehab invites patients to choose them for their physical therapy needs. To learn more about ProRehab visit ProRehab-pc. com.
About ProRehab:
ProRehab is a private physical therapy practice with locations in Evansville, southwest Indiana and western Kentucky. Known for teaching and training physical therapists throughout the region, ProRehab physical therapists are proud that patients ask their doctors to send them to ProRehab for orthopaedic care. They deliver hands-on physical and occupational therapy based on the newest research to achieve the best results for patients with bad backs, achy joints, wounded hands, and sports and work injuries. Along the way, the ProRehab family has fun and makes friends with their patients; patients are actually sad to leave after their treatment is over! Find ProRehab on Facebook, @ProRehab on Twitter, and FourSquare.
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