The Benefits of Stretching (Part 2)

Here is my 2nd installment on the benefits of stretching. As I mentioned in my last blog, I believe stretching is one of the most beneficial things a person can do to help themselves physically. I routinely equate it to ‘brushing your teeth’ when talking to patients. It’s so important to keep our bodies moving, and stretching our muscles daily can help with this. Following are a couple stretches that I would encourage everyone to perform for their middle back region. I would do these a minimum of 2 times a day. They should not take more than 2 minutes to complete.

 

Middle Back Stretch

Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your thighs parallel to the floor. Cross your arms in front of your body and place your hands around the outside of each knee (right hand around left knee; left hand around right knee). Hold on to the outside of each knee, keep your feet on the floor and move your knees away from each other until you feel it stretching the middle of your back. Hold for 10-20 seconds. Repeat.

 

Corner Stretch

Find a corner. Lift your arms out in front of yourself and slightly out to the side with your palms facing forward. Walk into the corner until your hands are touching the walls. Keep walking forward into the corner keeping your hands on the wall until you feel it stretching the front of your chest. Hold for 10-20 seconds. Repeat.