Physiotherapy for Core Strengthening and Stretching
Physiotherapy has been used to treat several conditions, including injuries, chronic pain, and muscle strains. Used to manage long-term conditions, physiotherapy reduces the need for prescription medication for ongoing pain.
Chiropractors work with patients to establish a treatment plan that will work best for their condition, which often includes core strengthening and stretching exercises. These maneuvers can be used in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatments, including ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation.
3 Examples of Core Strengthening Exercises
Core exercises strengthen your abdominal muscles, back muscles, and more, while also improving your tolerance to pain. Especially true for those with arthritis, the muscles around your joints weaken due to inactivity, which can cause further stiffness and pain.
These exercises can be done without the use of weights or machines. Here are just three examples of activities that will strengthen your core. Each of these simple exercises should be done 15 times.
1. Abdominal Crunch
You can get into an abdominal crunch by lying on your back and placing your feet flatly on a wall. Make sure your hips and knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and cross your arms over your chest.
Next, tighten your abdominal muscles and then raise your shoulders and head up off the floor into a “crunch.” Hold this position for three deep breaths before returning to your starting position.
2. Bridge
Start by lying on your back with your knees bent. Next, tense your abdominal muscles while bringing your hips up off the floor. Your hips should be aligned with your shoulders and knees. Remain in this position for three deep breaths before returning to the starting position.
3. Superman
To perform a superman, you will need to lie on your stomach with a pillow or rolled-up towel beneath your hips to provide you with back support.
After getting into your starting position, squeeze your abdominal muscles and raise your right arm off the floor. Hold this position for three deep breaths before switching arms. After three more breaths, lower your arms and lift your right leg. Take three more deep breaths before alternating to your other leg.
The Importance of Stretching
Routine stretching is an integral part of physiotherapy. Stretching provides several health benefits, including improved flexibility, stress relief, improved posture, and reduction of pain. Stretching is especially important before and after exercise to help you avoid injury.
In addition to traditional stretching techniques, psychotherapy patients can often benefit from mechanical traction, which uses mechanical devices for stretching to relieve pressure.
Physiotherapy at the Reyna Chiropractic Center in Fresno
Dr. Jamie Reyna is a licensed chiropractor that has been working with the Fresno community since 1985. Dr. Reyna is committed to improving the health, wellness, and overall well-being of his patients. If you are experiencing chronic pain or you have been injured, physiotherapy can help.
Do you experience chronic back or neck pain? Contact us at (559) 225-2859 to schedule an appointment. Same-day appointments may be available if you call before your visit.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Physiotherapy
Core Strengthening
Stretching