9 Wall Stretches to Ease Back and Shoulder Pain
By: Kelly Collins and Randi Brodman, ND You may think of stretching as something performed only by runners or gymnasts. But we all need to stretch in order to protect our mobility and independence, especially as we age. Note: The stretches presented here are not a replacement for a physical therapy program and may not be suitable for everyone. Why stretching is important Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. When tight muscles are suddenly called on for a strenuous activity that stretches them, they may become damaged from suddenly being stretched. Injured muscles may not be strong enough to support the joints, which...