Stretching

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Stretching exercise)

Stretching[edit | edit source]

Golden Clinic Epke Zonderland

Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon (or muscle group) is deliberately flexed or stretched in order to improve the muscle's felt elasticity and achieve comfortable muscle tone. The result is a feeling of increased muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion. Stretching is also used therapeutically to alleviate cramps.

Types of Stretching[edit | edit source]

There are five different types of stretching: ballistic, dynamic, SMF stretching, PNF stretching, and static stretching.

Ballistic Stretching[edit | edit source]

Ballistic stretching utilizes the momentum of a moving body or a limb in an attempt to force it beyond its normal range of motion.

Dynamic Stretching[edit | edit source]

Dynamic stretching consists of controlled leg and arm swings that take you (gently!) to the limits of your range of motion.

SMF Stretching[edit | edit source]

SMF Stretching, also known as Swiss ball stretching, is a form of stretching where you use a Swiss ball to assist in stretching various muscle groups.

PNF Stretching[edit | edit source]

PNF Stretching, or Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, is a more advanced form of flexibility training that involves both the stretching and contracting of the muscle group being targeted.

Static Stretching[edit | edit source]

Static Stretching is a form of stretching where you hold a stretch for a set period of time, usually around 30 seconds to a minute.

Benefits of Stretching[edit | edit source]

Stretching can help improve flexibility, and, consequently, range of motion in your joints. Better flexibility may improve your performance in physical activities or decrease your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion and enabling your muscles to work most effectively.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Stretching Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen