Stretching & Joint Mobility Exercises After an Injury

Isn't it best to just let the injury rest? So many people think that it's best to rest and "not do anything" to try and help an injury. In some cases, this may be best, but for many spinal and extremity injuries, the sooner a person can "get moving" again is key to helping the injured area make a faster recovery, help to restore normal range of motions through the injured joint, and to help decrease the likelihood of chronic pain and joint tension.

An example of an injury is a "whiplash injury" that occurs to the neck after an automobile accident. Whiplash injuries are injuries that can affect the tissues of the neck, as well as the joints. Many people experience acute pain into the neck when dealing with a whiplash injury. Stretching and joint mobility exercises are recommended in the beginning stages of a whiplash injury to help the area heal faster.

"Incorporating stretching and mobility exercises into a treatment plan can help restore flexibility, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. Stretching exercises help elongate the shortened or stiff muscles and ligaments, alleviating tension and discomfort. Meanwhile, mobility exercises help to improve joint function and movement. Together, these exercises can help promote healthier movement patterns, enhance posture, and reduce the risk of future injuries". (1)

"People heal sooner and are less likely to develop chronic pain if they start gentle exercise as soon as possible". (2)

Exercise after an injury can be a questionable process, but a qualified health care professional can guide you through the process of what to do to help your body heal as soon as possible. Please call Accident & Wellness Chiropractic if you have any further questions regarding injury.