Stretching: Help or Hurt?

[BozzZazzle]

Hello all,

Does anyone have any strong feelings about stretching helping or hurting?

My calves and feet definitely cramp up a lot and get very tight. My physical therapist has recommending stretching these areas out as much as possilbe. Problem is that when I do, the fasciculations in my calves and arches increase like mad right afterward. Howver, stretching my back and upper body, which are stiff but less prone to fascics has been VERY helpful.

My thinking on managing this over the long term is that having loose, long and limber muscles and tendons would be a good thing. Perhaps this initial phase of increased twitching and discomfort is something I have to get through.

I value any feedback folks have to offer. This board has been very helpful.

Thanks
J

 

[SongbirdLove]

J

Absolutely stretching, in my recent experience, is really helping. I'm seeing a PT who has me on a rather extensive stretching, strengthening routine. He's got me working on the back as well as the, calves, legs, hamstrings, quads etc..As with anything, take your time into the stretches. If it's starting to hurt, back off. But start again soon after. Work for range of motion. You'll see progress. I know exactly the frustration of kicking up the twitches with all of this...but my approach is to not let it bother you. Just straight ahead!
Let me know if this helps.
Mark

 

[Diego4Life]

I agree, keep going with the stretching. Helps to eliminate build up of metabolites in the muscle.

Diego4Life

 

[FairyQueen1998]

I just started to take Yoga and the stretching that is involved really helps me. Also the meditation helps with the anxiety of BFS.