Most people do not think this pre-exercise phase is important however physical therapists don’t agree. Skipping this step prevents people from being able to do the exercises properly and places them at risk for serious injury. According to Dr. Kevin McGovern, Founder of
McGovern Physical Therapy Associates and
Game 7 Sports Training TM, “stretching is what improves flexibility and prepares the muscles and tendons properly for exercise. Improving your health by training in an innovative and scientific manner provides great results and decreases the chance of injury or setback.”
When clients train at McGovern Physical Therapy Associates and Game 7 they are guided on how to stretch properly before each exercise session. A significant part of this type of training is learning how to stretch properly to make the most of the training regimen and prevent injuries.
Regardless if you are an elite athlete or simply desire to stay fit, stretching and warm ups is an essential part of exercise.
Include the Warm Up
The warm up should take about five to ten minutes and consist of low impact aerobic activity such as walking briskly or riding a bike. This gets the heart rate going and the blood flowing to the muscles and tendons to prepare them for proper stretching and exercise.
Stretch After the Warm Up
Stretching should occupy at least five to ten minutes of the warm up and consists of stretching to the point of tension but not the point of pain, holding for a few seconds, and then slowly returning to starting position.
If you are simply trying to stay fit and healthy a physical therapist can guide you through the proper methods of stretching before exercise to help you avoid injury. If you are an elite athlete, a physical therapist will guide you through sport specific stretching for the muscles and tendons that are used for the sport in which you participate.
Stretching to Overcome Weakness
If you have a particular area of vulnerability such as a weak shoulder, physical therapists can design a personalized stretching routine to improve the weak areas and ensure flexibility without injury. If you are an elite athlete and prone to a specific injury physical therapists can provide a customized advanced stretching routine to help troubleshoot future injuries to that area.
The professionals at McGovern Physical Therapy Associates and Game 7 Sports Training personally address every client’s individual needs, wants, and goals, and then they design a plan that meets these requirements. Throughout the course of the training they ensure all clients warm up and stretch properly and finally, exercise properly to produce the best results.
About Dr. Kevin McGovern
Dr. McGovern is the founder 3 growing companies:
- McGovern Physical Therapy Associates, one of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in the U.S. recognized by Inc. Magazine;
- Game 7 Sports Training, a physical-therapy-designed strength and conditioning company; and
- Velocity Rx, a physical-therapy designed rehabilitation & instruction program for athletes.
Dr. McGovern is also the inventor of the McGovern Movement Score (MMS), which measures the quality of basic human movements and can score how well one moves to help predict possible future injury.
Dr. McGovern has been analyzing the biomechanics of golfers and baseball pitchers for over 15 years in order to improve athletic results. As a sports enthusiast and athlete himself, his passion is helping people get in the best possible shape for a healthier, happier life. Visit website
www.mcgovernpt.com.
About McGovern Physical Therapy Associates:
Combining innovation, experience and excellence, McGovern Physical Therapy Associates has been a leading provider of outpatient physical therapy care for over 10 years, providing customized treatment programs designed to fit each patient’s needs in an optimal healthcare environment where true patient recovery exists.
McGovern Physical Therapy Associates is a 2010 recipient of the Inc. Magazine 5000, a list of the 5000 top growing companies, and was voted Best Physical Therapy Practice by ADVANCE magazine. Visit them at www.mcgovernpt.com.
About Game 7 Sports Training:
Founded by McGovern Physical Therapy Associates, Game 7 Sports Training is a physical-therapy-designed fitness center with programs customized for individual needs. Through an innovative and scientific manner, Game 7 is an effective method for preventative-injury care and maintaining overall optimum health for any fitness or age level. Visit www.game7sportstraining.com.
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