~~This blog post is presented by Ann Arbor Chiropractor Michael Tannenbaum, D.C.

There are many benefits to stretching. Here are a few. The bottom line though, is that stretching is good for you.

Decreased pain: Improved flexibility allows the bones and joints to move more freely and stay in proper alignment thus reducing pain.

Increased range of  motion and flexibility: Tasks that require flexibility such as reaching up to change a light bulb or bending at the waist to while working in the garden will be come easier with increased flexibility and range of motion.

Improved posture: If muscles are tight they often pull your posture in the the direction of the tight muscle. For example, someone with right head tilt may have a muscle on the right side of their neck called the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle that is tight. The SCM is attached in part to the side of the skull (the mastoid bone) and attaches at the other end to the collar bone (the clavicle bone) if this muscle is tight it may pull the head in the direction of that muscle. By stretching the SCM muscle the head posture should improve.

Improved blood circulation with in the muscles: This is important because with out proper blood circulation in a muscle the muscle can develop scar tissue which can cause chronic tightness and discomfort in that muscle.

Reduces stress: Stress causes tight muscles and stretching can reverse that feeling of tight muscles and bring a sense of relaxation as well as, possibly, well being.