We’ve all lived through a pandemic, so most of us are interested in improving our immune system. While it may seem strange to think something as simple as stretching could get the job done, there is a link between your stretch routine and your ability to heal faster and ward off disease.
Even though it’s slow and gentle, stretching is a form of exercise. Studies show that physical exercise boosts the immune system by releasing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and increasing lymphocyte circulation. This ensures a lower incidence, intensity of symptoms, and mortality in viral infections.
You’ll gain even more benefits if you choose to use stretching before a more intensive workout. You’ll recover faster from those workouts, so you’ll be able to engage in more exercise and, in turn, reap more benefits from that exercise. Stretching creates the ultimate virtuous cycle!
Stretching also reduces stress, prompting your body to release cortisol and reduce adrenaline. Both neurochemicals can suppress immune function, meant, as they are, to divert the body’s resources to more immediate dangers. But since you’re not being chased down by predator animals daily, keeping these chemicals in check is generally more useful. Adrenaline only hinders that unpleasant work phone call you’ll have to make.
In addition to the direct impact on the immune system stretching provides, you’ll find that stretches play a crucial role in improving overall health and well-being, indirectly supporting immune function. Regular stretching promotes better blood circulation, ensuring that immune cells can efficiently travel through the body, which means they do a better job detecting and fighting off infections. Improved blood flow also aids in the removal of waste products and toxins, reducing the burden on the immune system and allowing it to focus on potential threats.
Moreover, stretching contributes to better posture and flexibility, vital for maintaining a healthy body. Proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system ensures organs have sufficient space to function optimally, promoting better digestion, respiration, and circulation. The immune system can operate at its best when bodily systems work harmoniously.
Are you struggling to stretch? Or do you want to attain the highest possible benefits from stretching?
You may benefit from guided stretch therapy. While any stretches you perform on your own are helpful, working with a therapist who can help you attain deeper stretches and ensure you’re performing every stretch correctly is even more helpful.
If you’re ready to become your healthiest, strongest you, schedule an appointment with Reach Stretch and Recovery today.
REACH’s 2 STEP APPROACH TO RECOVERY THERAPY
RELAX – RESTORE – RECHARGE
Step 1: Identify Your Problem Areas
- It all starts with your Mobility Risk Factor Assessment called
. - This helps us identify the root cause of your current problem areas due to:
– Life’s Daily Wear & Tear
– Your Aches/Pain
– Muscle Imbalances & Weakness
– Flexibility/Mobility Limitations
– Posture Issues - A Mobility Risk Factor Assessment is a MUST before starting any Stretch & Recovery Therapy Program.
Step 2: Targeted Recovery Therapy
- Your Mobility Risk Factor Assessment helps us create a Personalized Recovery Therapy Plan that targets your problem areas which will Shorten your Recovery Time.
- Each of our Stretch & Recovery sessions are a balanced blend of Corrective Stretch, Percussion, Compression, CBD and Heat
Vibration Therapy. - Risk Factor Re-Assessments:
– Suggested every 30-60 days
– See your improvements
– Realize the benefits of Stretch & Recovery
Therapy
