Stretching and Massage Therapy Can Improve Flexibility in 4th Street Downtown St. Petersburg

Stretching and massage therapy work together in improving flexibility and restoring optimum health especially with age. Flexibility exercises can be done practically everywhere. You can then avail of massage therapy from a reputable massage clinic at 4th Street Downtown St. Petersburg whether you are from St. Pete or elsewhere in Tampa 33607.

In an article in the Spring 2009 issue of Massage Envy Magazine, Jen Bondeson wrote that with age and lack of activity, the muscles tighten. We, therefore, lose our flexibility and become less limber.
According to Bondeson, stretching loosens and lengthens tight muscles, and regular stretching prevents them from tightening up again. This in itself already provides tension relief and stress reduction, resulting in a state of relaxation. A relaxed mind and body, in turn, gives way to a healthier body because it has been proven that mental and physical stress weaken the immune system.

Bondeson adds that stretching boosts blood circulation, further facilitating healing and recovery from any illness and preventing the onset of other diseases.

Muscles that have been stretched, loosened and elongated enable the joints to have a greater range of motion and improve one’s posture. Bondeson says that the American Council on Exercise (ACE), therefore, recommends that stretching be incorporated into every fitness regimen. It will allow more movement during workouts and sports, and will make muscles less susceptible to muscle strain and injury such as sprains. It also prevents lactic acid from building up in the body, minimizing post exercise soreness and encouraging longer workout or sports sessions.

There are many common benefits between stretching and massage. Bondeson says that like stretching, massage loosens and lengthens tightened muscles and relaxes them. Massage also improves blood circulation and speeds up healing. Likewise, it develops flexibility and increases range of motion by stimulating the body to produce the necessary lubricants in the fibers of connective tissues. Furthermore, massage dissipates any built up lactic acid in the muscles and relieves any soreness after a workout or sports session.

Bondeson repeats the warning of the American Council on Exercise that one should practice moderation in stretching, though. She says that holding a painful stretch could lead to tearing of muscle tissue. It is, therefore, important to consult a doctor first in order to get professional help in evaluating the condition of your joints, your current range of motion and the type of stretches you should be doing. With the proper stretching routine in hand, you should do your stretching workout three times a week at the minimum.

Bondeson suggests stretching tips which she got from an exercise physiologist of the American Council on Exercise, Fabio Comana. According to him, you should always start your stretching routine by warming up first because it is not beneficial to stretch cold muscles. The effects of the stretch will be very temporary. Some warm ups recommended include taking a short five minute walk, jog or bicycle ride so that your blood flow gets going.

Comana also advises starting slowly. You should exhale while you are gently stretching the muscle and then hold every stretch steadily for 15 to 30 seconds. You should not hold your breath while stretching, though. Comana advocates rhythmic breathing. He also says you should never bounce while stretching. Bouncing will automatically make your muscle contract and this could lead to muscle injury. A proper stretch should feel like “pleasant tension” and should never feel painful. He says you should immediately release a stretch if you feel any pain.

Add massage therapy to your stretching regimen and reap even more health benefits. There are many massage modalities that improve flexibility and health. Among these are Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy. They are offered by professional massage therapists in a very highly regarded massage clinic at 4th Street Downtown St. Petersburg.