Stretching 101
Cat-Cow Spine Stretch
If you have ever been to a yoga class, you have likely done cat/cow. This yoga essential consists of moving the spine from a rounded position (flexion) to an arched one (extension). It’s a basic motion, but one that is enormously beneficial in preventing back pain and maintaining a healthy spine. If you spend a lot of time sitting, you will find adding this to your daily routine very helpful.
Read MoreHip Mobility – 90/90 Stretch
The hip girdle area is anatomically complex. There are 17 muscles which are associated with the hip area, each working together to give the hip joint mobility. Your hips drive many of your daily movements, including walking to squatting. Athletes and people who work jobs which require them to sit a lot may experience mobility issues with their hips.
Read MoreFive Easy Shoulder Stretches to do at Home
Considering the amount of time many of us spend either at our desks on our computers, using our phones, or carrying heavy bags and purses, it’s not surprising that many of our clients come to us with neck and shoulder tension. Shoulder and neck tension also play a part in some types of headaches.
Read MoreSeated Calf Stretch
The strong muscles of the calf can be quite tight, especially after prolonged standing or walking, and for many athletes whose sport of choice involves running or jumping. To best stretch these muscles, grab a bolster or pillow and have a seat; start with both feet extended out in front of you with the pillow…
Read MoreStanding Calf Stretch
Tight calf muscles are prone to cramping: the dreaded “charlie horse” that wakes you up in the middle of the night or attacks as you move from sitting to standing. The large muscles in the back of the lower leg are the soleus and gastrocnemius, both of which attach into the Achilles tendon and run…
Read MoreBiceps Floss Stretch
This stretch targets the biceps muscles of the upper arm that bend the elbow and flex the arm forward at the shoulder joint. These strong muscles run alongside nerves that stem from the neck and run into the arm, and when tight or swollen, they can restrict the nerves and cause pain, weakness, or pins…
Read MoreBanded Tricep & Shoulder Stretch
This is an advanced mobility technique that uses an exercise band to increase the intensity of the triceps stretch, and helps release restrictions in the shoulder capsule – a collection of fibrous ligaments, tendons and connective tissues that form the shoulder joint. This stretch is excellent to increase or regain range of motion following a shoulder injury, and can…
Read MoreAdvanced Lunging Hip Stretch
Chronic tension in the muscles at the front and sides of the hips can contribute to low back pain and poor posture. This stretch is particularly helpful for hip flexor contracture and ITB syndrome when combined with glute strengthening exercises. Changing toe positions of the back foot helps target different muscle fibers for a more…
Read MoreForearm Flexor Stretch
If you spend long hours at a computer, this stretch is for you! The muscles in the forearm cross the wrist via the carpal tunnel; when tight, they can cause pain in the wrist and hand. Stretch them by holding your arm out in front of you, palm facing up. Keeping your elbow straight, bend…
Read MoreNose-to-Armpit Levator Stretch
This stretch targets the muscle that shrugs your shoulders, the Levator Scapulae. It attaches to the top of your shoulder-blade, and to the sides of the uppermost bones of the neck. To stretch, first side-bend your head away from the side you want to stretch, and hold for a couple of breaths. Secure the arm…
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