How Can I Stay Flexible As I Age?

21 Aug How Can I Stay Flexible As I Age?

Flexibility – Orthopedist in Wantagh

Flexibility is an essential aspect of being healthy. It allows us to be active and exercise often while preventing injuries. Unfortunately, it is a quality that tends to decrease with time if not properly maintained. At Advanced Orthopedics and Joint Preservation, an orthopedist in Wantagh, we care about your wellbeing and can address any musculoskeletal injuries or conditions you may have.

Ways to prevent age-related loss of flexibility:

• Exercise: Exercise is an important way to keep your muscles and joints moving. A few light exercises and proper warm-ups are great ways to keep your body moving.
• Hydration: Many connective tissues, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, rely upon hydration to stay nimble. By staying hydrated, you can help keep your joints working at their best Water will maintain the elasticity of these connective tissues to keep you flexible.
• Stretching: Like exercise, stretching is a great way to keep your body moving. Minute long static stretches will help improve overall flexibility.
• Long-term: As the saying goes, use it or lose it! It’s much easier to maintain flexibility than to try and get it back. For issues stretching or pain associated with, contact an orthopedist in Wantagh today!

Best stretches for any age:

There are many beneficial stretches, but here are a few. These choice stretches are low impact and great for people of any age!

• Neck rotation: Slowly turn your head from left to right and hold.
• Neck tilt: Gently pull your head towards each shoulder in turns and hold.
• Trunk rotation: Cross your arms over your chest and twist at the waist to turn to your right and left.
• Hyperextension: Lean forwards with your hands at your sides and hold.
• Trunk lateral flexion:  Bend to each side in turns while reaching your arm over your head.
• Fold over: Bend over in your chair and reach down as far as you can without pain.
• Back scratch: Without hunching over, reach one hand over your shoulder and the other around your back.
• Quad stretch: Stand on one leg and hold the other ankle with your knee pointing towards the floor. Lean on a chair or wall for balance assistance.
• Heel cord: Stand to face a wall. Place your toes on the wall with your heel still on the ground until you feel the stretch.

If you feel you are suffering from a loss of flexibility, or wish to take proactive steps towards maintaining your flexibility, contact an orthopedist in Wantagh today. At Advanced Orthopedics and Joint Preservation, we are dedicated to helping you reach your wellness goals.