Active ChiropracticSaco, ME

Treatment

Stretching & Strengthening Exercises in Saco, ME

Exercises Dr. Brent Reiche may prescribe on top of your adjustments — stretches to release tight muscles, and strengthening work to steady the muscle groups that hold your posture.

Book an appointment+1 (207) 571-8028
Women having neck stretched

If you suffer from chronic pain, stiff ligaments, tight muscles or frequent injuries, Dr. Brent Reiche may prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises on top of any joint adjustments or other treatments you need.

These exercises play a part in helping you regain control of your body, improve your range of motion and live with less pain.

Why Stretching and Strengthening Matter

Exercise in general has shown important benefits for people struggling with injuries, chronic pain and other musculoskeletal problems. Aerobic exercise, for instance, enhances blood circulation and fluid drainage, which helps control swelling and feeds more healing oxygen to the tissues.

Stretching and strengthening add benefits of their own. Stretches release pent-up muscle tension and limber up the tissues to ease muscle spasms, making everyday motion more comfortable and reducing your injury risk. Strengthening also reduces injury risk, by giving extra stability to the key muscle groups that maintain your posture, symmetry and balance.

Stretches to Keep Your Tissues Flexible

Dr. Reiche will evaluate your current range of motion and medical status before prescribing stretches. Common ones that help manage pain and improve flexibility include:

  • Forward, backward and side neck tilts, to loosen the neck muscles
  • Downward neck release exercises, to free up the back of the neck
  • Shoulder rolls, to relax the tissues connecting your shoulders to your neck
  • Cobra stretches, cat-cow stretches, spinal bridges and seated spinal twists, to improve mid-back flexibility
  • Stretches that target the pelvic girdle, knees, wrists, tailbone or lower back

Strengthening Exercises That Support Your Spine

Strengthening work typically targets the muscle groups responsible for maintaining musculoskeletal alignment. Dr. Reiche may recommend a routine that includes:

  • Chin tucks, which strengthen the muscles that support your head
  • The prone cobra, which targets the shoulders, neck and upper back
  • The back burner, a standing exercise that works both the back and the chest
  • Curl-ups, side bridges and other exercises that build the core muscles supporting your lower back

How Exercises Are Prescribed Here

  1. Your range of motion is checked

    Dr. Reiche evaluates your current range of motion and medical status before prescribing anything, so the routine matches what your body can do now.

  2. A routine chosen for you

    The stretches and strengthening work are picked for the joints and muscle groups that need them, not handed out as a standard sheet.

  3. Done alongside your other treatment

    Exercises are prescribed on top of any joint adjustments or other treatments you need, rather than in place of them.

Common Questions About Corrective Exercises

Will these replace my adjustments?

No. Dr. Reiche may prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises on top of any joint adjustments or other treatments you need.

Can I just start these on my own?

Dr. Reiche will evaluate your current range of motion and medical status before prescribing stretches, so the routine matches what your body can handle. Ask before adding exercises to an existing plan.

What do the stretches target?

Common stretches loosen the neck muscles, free up the back of the neck, relax the tissues connecting your shoulders to your neck, and improve mid-back flexibility. Others target the pelvic girdle, knees, wrists, tailbone or lower back.

What is the point of the strengthening work?

Strengthening exercises target the muscle groups responsible for maintaining musculoskeletal alignment — the ones supporting your head, shoulders, upper back and lower back — which gives extra stability to your posture and balance.

Who do I ask about my routine?

Call your Active Chiropractic team at +1 (207) 571-8028 for more information on how stretching and strengthening exercises can help you feel and function better.

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