How Flexible are your Shoulders?

How Flexible are your Shoulders?

The Shoulder Stretch Test is a simple flexibility test to determine if the hands can be brought together behind the back.

• Purpose: This test measures upper arm and shoulder girdle flexibility.
• Procedure:
• This test is done in the standing position.
• Place one hand behind the head and back over the shoulder, and reach as far as possible down the middle of your back, your palm touching your body and the fingers directed downwards
• Place the other arm behind your back, palm facing outward and fingers upward and reach up as far as possible attempting to touch the fingers of each hand.
• The tester may be required to direct the subject so that the fingers are aligned.
• See if the subject can touch their fingers.
• Test the left and right shoulders.
• Comments: Do not conduct the test if you experience pain.

If your fingers can touch you have good flexibility.  If the fingers do not touch you need to work on increasing your flexibility in your upper arm and shoulder girdle.  If one side is more flexible than the other, you most likely have a musculoskeletal imbalance in your upper arm and shoulder girdle.

Call today to schedule a free posture evaluation to identify your muskeletol imbalances. 801-703-8503.

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

Fitworks Corrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com

Benefits of Stretching

  

Benefits of Stretching

As you age, your muscles tighten and range of motion in the joints can be minimized. This can put a limits on active lifestyles and even on your day-to-day, normal activities. Tasks that used to be simple, such as zipping up a dress or reaching down to tie a shoe or reaching  for a can off of the top shelf,  can become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program can help lengthen your muscles and make daily activities easier.

Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. There are simple stretches you can do while watching TV, on the computer, or getting ready for bed. If you are doing strength training exercises, stretch in between sets. It feels good and saves time from stretching at the end of the workout!

Stretching can end up giving you huge results! Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from a regular stretching program:

• Reduced muscle tension
• Increased range of movement in the joints
• Enhanced muscular coordination
• Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body
• Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)

Stretching is important for people of all ages! One of the greatest benefits of stretching is that you’re able to increase your range of motion, which means your limbs and joints can move further before an injury occurs. Post-exercise stretching can also aid in workout recovery, decrease muscle soreness, and ensure that your muscles and tendons are in good working order. The more conditioned your muscles and tendons are, the better they can handle sport and exercise, and the less likely that they'll become injured. 

Stretching comes naturally to all of us. You might notice that if you have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, you stretch unconsciously. It feels good! In addition to that good feeling, a consistent stretching program will produce large gains in flexibility and joint movement. Be kind to your muscles and they will be kind to you!

Information gathered from http://www.sparkpeople.com

Call today for a free stretch session or posture evaluation. 801-703-8503. 

Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist

FitworksCorrective Therapy

www.fitworksutah.com