stretching

stretching (streˑ·ching),

n mechanical lengthening of myofascial fibers. Muscles and fascia lengthen longitudinally and cross-directionally.

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stretching

Sports medicine An activity that ideally precedes exercise and is intended to keep the muscles supple and improve the joints' range of motion; in some exercises–eg, yoga, stretching is the exercise; a therapeutic maneuver designed to elongate shortened soft tissue structures and thereby ↑ flexibility. See Ballistic stretching. Cf Aerobic exercise.

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Patient discussion about stretching.

Q. How to prevent Stretch Marks? I am pregnant and am starting to get Stretch Marks. How can I stop them?

A. Stretch Marks are hereditary and some women get it while others don't. There are special creams out there in order to prevent stretch marks, however I recommend you take a good moisturizing cream and rub it on your stomach and anywhere else that you need to, every night after the bath.

Q. I want to know why do all pregnant woman get stretch marks and how to treat them? I have given birth to a baby boy recently….it is joyous time on Christmas Eve. This is my second baby. During my previous delivery I didn’t get any stretch mark but now. I want to know why do all pregnant woman get stretch marks and how to treat them?

A. not all women get stretchmarks during pregnancy. some women get them without being pregnant.

Q. Im only 17 I have horrble lower back pains. Im constitly rubbing,stretching, or cracking my back. the pain is either a throbbing pain or an ache or sting.I feel it worse when I put my chest out my shoulders back. my back feels like its out of place.

A. Lower back pain is so very common... I have had it for years, and just recently what I found to be very helpful is walking. Even a 30-45 minute walk and then some streching is good. I have hardly had any pain since I started exercising and it feels really good. Swimming is also known to help.