Participating in sports as an athlete is both exhilarating and strategic. Memorizing plays and formation is not the only thing you should be paying attention to, however. Studies have proven that without stretching, your injury risk increases nearly to 70%. Athletes who are constantly practicing should focus on trying to stretch before and after practice. This increases blood flow and builds stronger joints. By stretching, you are helping your body get rid of the soreness post-physical exertion.
Stretching is highly encouraged when an athlete suffers an injury. When your body suffers an injury, you tend to stop utilizing and putting pressure on the impaired appendage. This stops circulating blood flow and slows down your recovery time. Usually the fastest way of recovering from an injury is by trying to stretch. Doing a small stretch everyday helps ensure the athlete of a strong and speedy recovery. Find stretches that are helpful and accommodating to you. For example, Anthony Rausch (11) said, “I enjoy the butterfly stretch because it helps with my groin area especially when I play soccer.” Doing the butterfly stretch improves hip flexibility and mobility, relieves tightness in the inner thigh, and may help relieve sciatica.
However, it is important to be careful to not overstretch. Even though stretching is beneficial to your body, you can end up making your body more sore than what it was prior. The effects usually include soreness and aches, and in some cases it could get more extreme with swelling, bruising, and muscle spasms. It can also include severe straining. Tyler Daly (11) described, “I have pulled my hamstring from overstretching while doing stretches with resistance bands.” A small strain can last only a few days to a week, but if it is a major strain, then it could take up to a few months to fully heal.
Remember that although it can be invigorating, it is important to take the time to stretch. If stretching isn’t your thing, then you’re not out of luck. You can always do small warm ups to help loosen up your muscles without the tediousness of bending and getting on the floor. You can do high knees or even a few jogs back and forth—this way, you’re still getting the blood circulation to the correct muscles.
