Stretch - O - Roll

Importance & effects of adequate stretching and foam rolling pre & post workout

- Dr. Kinjal Shah Anandpara

Have you ever thought how relaxed you are before and after your workout?

Being a Physical Therapist, I see patients who come in for rehabilitation for various spinal and peripheral malfunctions. Patients usually report that they exercise either in the early morning or after work. At both times either you are rushing to work or rushing from work for the work out. At both the times your muscles have already worked and are working even after the workout. That means ‘stress is present all day on the muscles’ whether at, pre or post workout.

Some go to the gym, some do the cross fit or do the ‘BOX’ workout. Others just take a 30-45 min walk 3-5 /week for different variants like aerobic exercise/ cardio/weight training/Yoga or just body building.

Do all stretch? Answer is generally a mixed response. When asked on the 1st initial evaluation session about their daily routines and workout schedule, 60% of the patients report that they do their daily routine and work out 3-4/week on an average. When asked further as to what form of exercise they do and what is their goal of exercising, some say to keep fit, others to keep healthy and some for stress relief and rehabilitation purpose after any form of injury.