Flexibility is an important part of healthy movement. When joints become stiff or muscles and other soft tissues lose mobility, everyday activities such as bending, turning, reaching, exercising, and even sitting comfortably can become more difficult.

Key Insight:

Chiropractic care may help improve mobility and range of motion when joint stiffness or musculoskeletal restrictions are contributing to limited movement. Combining care with stretching and exercise can help patients work toward better overall flexibility and function.

Flexibility depends on more than just the ability of a muscle to stretch. Healthy movement also requires normal joint mobility, coordination, muscle function, and control of the nervous system. Restrictions in any of these areas can affect how freely the body moves.

Chiropractic adjustments and joint mobilization are designed to improve movement in joints that are not moving comfortably or normally. Improving joint motion may make it easier to perform stretches, exercises, and everyday activities.

Soft tissue therapy may also be incorporated to address muscle tension and improve tissue mobility. Therapeutic stretching and exercise can then help maintain and gradually improve range of motion while strengthening the muscles that control movement.

Flexibility is especially important as we age. Maintaining mobility can make it easier to remain active, exercise safely, perform daily activities, and maintain independence.

The goal of chiropractic care is not simply to make someone “more flexible.” Treatment should address the specific factors limiting movement and be tailored to the patient’s examination findings, symptoms, activities, and goals.

If stiffness or restricted movement is keeping you from doing the activities you enjoy, a comprehensive evaluation can help identify the cause and develop an individualized plan to improve mobility and function.

Interested in improving your flexibility and moving more comfortably? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized treatment plan.

Contact Us:
Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• Page P. Current Concepts in Muscle Stretching for Exercise and Rehabilitation. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.

• Behm DG, Blazevich AJ, McHugh M, et al. Acute Effects of Muscle Stretching on Physical Performance, Range of Motion, and Injury Incidence in Healthy Active Individuals. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.

• American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.