HAMSTRINGS – A Healthy Day

Many of us are continually amazed at the frequency with which professional baseball players suffer season-threatening muscular injuries. There they are, running hard down the first baseline trying to beat the throw from the shortstop or third baseman when suddenly, they pull up lame and must hobble to reach base safely despite their sudden injury. In other scenarios, the batter or runner is not even running full out, but rather moving at moderate speed, and still they suddenly bend over, grabbing their hamstring or calf muscle.

What’s going on with these world-class athletes?

Aren’t they in great shape and supremely conditioned? Why do so many players get hurt and have to spend significant time on the disabled list? The answer frequently lies in a failure of sufficient preparation, that is, a failure to adhere to a consistent, long-term program of stretching.

This analysis also applies to us non-professional athletes. We want to make sure our exercise efforts are time well spent, and all of us want to avoid exercise-related injuries that slow us down. Despite the best preparations, still injuries can happen, but there are steps one can take to minimize the likelihood of sustaining an injury, regardless of severity. A regular, consistent stretching program will go far toward protecting us from muscle strains that interfere with our activities. The key is to incorporate stretching in your overall exercise program and make sure to devote sufficient time to this important preparatory activity.

Click to advertise on this website

The large muscle groups of your legs, your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, provide for locomotion and support all activities that are done while standing and even some that are done in a sitting position. The four quadricep muscles act to extend the knee,1 the three hamstring muscles act to flex the knee, and the two primary calf muscles enable you to rise up on your ankle and foot and take a step. If any of these large muscles are not ready to work, injury may result. Stretching prepares your thigh and leg muscles for physical work. Stretching carefully, with intention, will help you succeed in your exercise activities and maximize the health benefits.

This article is sponsored by Dr. Nill of Nill Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center, LLC. Please call (260) 459-2205 for your FREE consultation today!

Also, check out website at www.nillchiropractic.com where you can take advantage of automatic monthly newsletters and sign up for “Members Only” section. By doing so, you can take advantage of chiropractic and product discounts along with access to exercises and much more! If you have any questions please feel free to contact Dr. Nill at drnill@nillchiropractic.com or call anytime.

Take care and Have A Healthy Day!