01/05/2024
Stretching and Strengthening, they aren't the same, so what's the difference and what does this mean in regards to our muscles?
Stretching, as it relates to our body, is to create length in tight muscles. We all know what a tight muscle feels like-hard, restricted movement, achy. There are many ways to stretch, for example, static stretching, active or dynamic stretching or assisted stretching to name a few. So why stretch? It helps restore length and optimal function to tight, short muscles and so provides relief of tension and pain and allows the muscle to perform optimally.
Strengthening, as it relates to muscles, is to build strength and endurance. This could be achieved using weights, physical activity, using resistance bands or exercises using your own body weight, like push ups for example. Strengthening provides postural balance and support to joints. This can potentially shorten a muscle or a group of muscles which can result in stiffness, pain and lead to potential injury if unresolved.
Strengthening is best balanced with stretching to create balance. When stretching alone cannot achieve this is where massage comes in. My current running programme has resulted in very tight calves and although I stretch often, I have found that stretching alone is not enough. So I've been having weekly lower leg massages and it's aided my recovery and performance significantly.
I've included images of a calf stretch verses a strengthening exercise, using stairs.
The stretch is dropping a heel off the edge of the stair and holding this position for about 20 seconds, come out of it and slowly repeat several times.
The strengthening exercise on the other hand, would be to raise up onto the toes and drop down and repeat up and down 10 times for example, no holding required.
Stretching is often not on people's to do list, as it may seem a bit boring. However, it can be so beneficial in injury prevention and optimal function. When stretching isn't getting the results you hope for, massage is the missing piece. That's where I come in. Book now to experience all the benefits massage offers.
