Few things are more frustrating than waking up with persistent discomfort in your neck, back, or joints. Morning aches and pains can make even the most basic actions difficult, such as getting out of bed or putting on your shoes. You just want to wake up and get your day started…why is that so hard?!
You can begin working various portions of the body in the morning with the help of a few physical therapist-approved stretches to help ease pain and discomfort. The physical therapy stretches listed below are great for getting your day started with flexibility in mind.
They are also helpful in restoring your natural range of motion, reducing pain and inflammation as well! If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of stretching in the morning, give us a call today.
Our skilled physical therapists at IMG Physical Therapy would be happy to schedule an appointment to assess your condition and figure out if a customized stretching program could give you a better night’s sleep and a happier morning!
The best morning stretches to relieve pain and get on with your day
By committing to a few simple morning stretches each day, you can help to keep your body feeling limber and reduce pain in between your regular physical therapy appointments. These stretches take no time at all and the results you’ll notice after doing them can benefit you all day long!
Some of the best stretches to use early in your day include:
The Inchworm Stretch
This is another morning physical therapy stretch that is wonderful for alleviating joint discomfort and increasing circulation. Begin with standing with your abs tucked in. Slowly lower yourself to the ground, bending at the knees if required.
Push yourself up into the push-up posture by walking your hands forward. Then, inch by inch, walk your feet forward until you reach the back of your hands.
Return to a standing position by slowly rolling your body up. Repeat the stretch at least 5 times, each time keeping your core engaged.
Low Back Stretch
If you’re dealing with recurring low back pain in the mornings, this simple physical therapy stretch can provide you with a great deal of relief.
Begin by laying down on your back, bending your knees, and keeping your feet flat on the floor. Use both hands to pull up one knee towards your chest, while keeping the other foot flat on the floor.
Bring the active leg back to the starting position and repeat the stretch with the opposite leg. Keeping the other foot flat on the floor.
Next, bring both knees to your chest at once. Hold each position for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat stretch at least 3 times.
Child’s Pose Stretch
Popular in yoga routines, child’s pose is a great stretch for connective tissue and joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis in the knees or low back pain, this is a great stretch to complete before beginning your day.
Start the pose by kneeling in bed, then sitting back so that your bottom is resting comfortably on your heels.
Next, gently bend your body forward until your head touches the mattress. It can be helpful to then stretch your arms out and fold them in front of your face for additional support.
Once you’ve eased into the position, you can then reach your arms out forward to help open the connective tissues in your neck, shoulders, and back area. Hold the pose for at least 2 minutes.
Let a physical therapist guide the way
Still not convinced that stretching could change the way your body feels in the morning? If you struggle with aches and pain every morning, you should speak with our physical therapist sooner rather than later about creating a personalized treatment plan.
There’s no reason to start your day off in pain and suffering through feelings of discomfort. Are you interested in learning more about the many benefits of physical therapy for pain management?
Call IMG Physical Therapy today for more information. We’re here to help you and would be happy to schedule an initial consultation with our friendly and experienced physical therapy staff!
