One of the most common complaints from patients who come to us is limited range of motion due to injury or aging. When we are young, we do not often think about what life would be like if we did not have our full range of mobility. But as we age, a number of health issues and the cumulative effects of wear and tear can affect our ability to move as before. When this happens, it can be difficult to continue with our daily activities. Even things as simple as picking up an object from the floor or tying your shoes can become difficult activities when your movement is restricted.
As a result, a person can begin to avoid activities that involve the affected body parts, either consciously or unconsciously. The point is it does not have to be this way for everyone. Regular chiropractic care has been shown to be one of the most effective methods of reducing inflammation in the spine and improving range of motion and flexibility.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RANGE OF MOTION IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Range of motion is critical for proper mobility of the entire body. Every moment of our lives, from getting up in the morning to going to bed, requires billions of subtle and dramatic physical movements. Optimal joint performance requires optimal range of motion.
Recently, a study was conducted to investigate the active range of motion of the cervical spine during functional tasks of daily living. The purpose of this study was to determine the mean active range of motion of the cervical spine required to perform 13 daily functional tasks. Twenty-eight college students performed three trials of 13 daily functional activity tasks. The individual’s starting position and ending range of motion for flexion-extension, rotation, and lateral flexion of each task were observed and recorded using the cervical range of motion. Of the 13 daily functional activities, tying shoes, backing up a car, washing hair in the shower, and crossing the street required the greatest range of motion of the cervical spine.
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS TO INCREASE RANGE OF MOTION
The chiropractor will first assess your current level of flexibility to determine which areas you need to target for further improvement. The chiropractor will then use spinal adjustments and manipulations to realign the bones and joints to restore mobility, relieve pain and improve flexibility, coordination, and balance. Chiropractic adjustments can be performed manually, or other techniques can be used to increase circulation and improve function, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or trigger point therapy. This realignment not only improves your flexibility, but also ensures your spine is healthy so your body can move and function optimally. There are also many exercises your chiropractor can recommend that will help you increase strength and flexibility.
MAINTANING RANGE OF MOTION AND FLEXIBILITY
Once your chiropractor has helped you overcome any physical issues that may be affecting your range of motion and flexibility, the key to maintaining your progress is to follow your treatment plan with regular adjustments. Because your muscles have a long memory, it is very easy for your body to return to its previous state of frozen muscles, stiff joints, and limited range of motion.
With regular chiropractic adjustments, you can prevent your muscles from returning to their previous state so you can maintain your improved range of motion and flexibility. And when you combine your routine chiropractic adjustments with frequent exercise and stretching, you help retrain your muscles to stay in proper position and keep your body flexible. It is not easy to go through life with limitations. Let us help you improve your movement and maintain a healthy body so you can move through life with ease.
At Decarie Square Chiropractic Wellness Clinic, we want to help you stay healthy, fit, and strong. Whether you need corrective chiropractic care to relieve aches or pains you are experiencing, or simply want to incorporate adjustments as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, we can help. Schedule your appointment today !
Recent Comments