Stretching for Pain-free Days by Master Dementia Coach

 Stretching is beneficial at any age, whether you're a growing child, a hardworking adult, an athlete in your prime, middle-aged, or in your 'golden' years. It helps prevent injuries, improve balance to reduce falls, become more graceful as we age, and increase flexibility to feel better. For example, sitting too much causes the hamstrings and hip flexors to tighten, which can make walking or running difficult. Hamstring inflammation has been linked to low back pain. You don’t need more Tylenol; you need stretching.

Take Tai Chi, a gentle oriental exercise that has been around for centuries. Asian culture tends to stay active well into their 80s and 90s. They are usually healthier overall.

1.     Warm up, slow and easy does it.

2.     Feel no pain, do not force movement beyond pain.

3.     Pay attention to posture and good form; we tend to stay hunched over for hours, causing neck and back pain.

4.     Focus on the muscle being stretched.

5.     Breathe with intention to control your breathing so it is deep and regular.

6.  Practice daily, 10-15 minutes.  You will get to where you feel better and desire more gentle movement.

 

Stretching can help relieve arthritis, back pain, knee pain, neck pain, and more without pain relievers. Acupressure points are another interesting method to relieve pain without OTC medication. These methods have worked for centuries and can help you too. The goal of all this is less physician intervention, less pharmaceutical intervention, better sleep, and less stress on your body and mind.

Kathy Adkins, RN, Health Coach

MasterDementiaCoach.com

316.807.8293