Have you ever awakened to a painful neck, aches and pains in your back, or any other musculoskeletal woes? Does your body ever feel sluggish in the morning? If you answered yes — or if you’re looking for a great way to start each day — then this article is for you.
The Prostate Mistake Millions of Men Make
If you suffer from prostate problems, you’re not alone. By age 70, a shocking 9 in 10 American men will struggle with “start and stop” urine flow, an inability to perform or having to “go” all the time — even in the middle of the night.
It’s a myth, however, that prostate trouble is an unavoidable part of aging for men. While the conventional approach to dealing with prostate problems doesn’t address the root cause — and can actually make things worse — there is a natural solution that is simple, safe and effective.
In my practice as a physical therapist, I can’t tell you how many people I speak with every day who think they have to simply accept daily aches and pains. Nothing could be further from the truth! Especially if you know a few stretches that, when performed daily, can have a dramatic impact in the way you feel throughout the day.
Below I have outlined five stretches to start your day with in order to ensure improved flexibility and mobility. In addition to performing the exercises outlined below, I recommend drinking an eight to ten ounce glass of water before putting anything else into your system. This will help jump start your digestive tract and make it easier to digest breakfast.
1. Lower Trunk Rotation
Lay on your back with your knee bent and your feet flat on your bed. Keep your knees together and slowly lower them to one side as depicted in the image below. Hold this stretch for 5 seconds, and perform ten times on each side. This stretch is excellent because it not only stretches the lumbar musculature but it also assists in mobilizing the spine. You may hear a crack or two in your low back as you perform this activity, which is completely normal. However, as you perform this stretch, and with all stretches, ensure that you are staying in a pain free range of motion.
2. Hamstring Stretch
Begin by lying on your back with one knee bent. Slowly bring straight leg towards chest, placing hands behind thigh muscle and gently draw leg towards you, ensuring that your knee is straight; as seen in the image below. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds and perform 3 sets on both legs. This is an excellent stretch for the hamstrings. Hamstrings have a tendency to get tight while we sleep, particularly in those who prefer sleeping on their side and/or in the fetal position as this shortens the hamstrings.
3. Bridging
Lay flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on your bed. Slowly lift your glutes, one vertebrae at a time, from the bed and hold at the top for five seconds. Complete ten of repetitions. This exercise is good because it not only strengthens your glute muscles but it also helps to mobilize the spine.
4. Upper Trapezius Stretch
This neck stretch is excellent to keep you neck from stiffening up and developing pesky trigger points. Begin sitting at the edge of your bed. Place one hand behind your back and gently drop your opposite ear to your opposite shoulder. For example, if you place your right arm behind you back, you will drop your left ear to your left shoulder (see image below). If a stretch is felt, no need to apply overpressure with opposite hand as shown in the image below. If you do not feel a stretch, however, gently place opposite hand on the head and deepen the stretch by gradually applying pressure. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, and perform three times on each side.
5. Upward Reach
Begin by sitting on the edge of the bed, or in standing. Interlace fingers as shown in the image below. Inhale and slowly raise arms overhead. Then, gently lean to on side. Slowly inhale and exhale, then slowly move to opposite side. Perform this activity ten times to each direction. This activity helps to stretch the spine and focusing on your breathing helps warm up your diaphragm.
*All images can be found at www.HEPtogo.com
Rebecca Simonds received her doctorate in physical therapy at Emory University, and currently practices at Drayer Physical Therapy Incorporated, an outpatient orthopedic clinic outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Rebecca treats patients with a multitude of diagnosis from orthopedic injuries to neurological disorders. She is also certified in intramuscular manuals therapy, or dry needling.
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