Stretching Series Part 3
As we finish our series on stretching, we are going to highlight Doctor on Liens’ Dr. Kevin Kelly, DC’s Quick Tip video on stretching in the morning. Previously we discussed some great, in-depth stretches to practice once you are up and moving throughout the day, but now we want to highlight some basic stretches to do in the morning. Stretching prepares our bodies for movement and helps our bodies deal with daily stress; So it’s more important to stretch when we first get out of bed than any other time of the day.
Follow along with Dr. Kelly, DC’s routine at the above link, and allow your body to feel looser and more comfortable throughout your day.
These stretches begin before you even roll out of bed in the morning. Sit at the edge of the bed. Begin rolling your feet and ankles in a circular motion. Curl and uncurl your toes, and get your feet feeling nice and stretched out.
Then, stand up and bring your knees up and down. Begin rotating your hips. Your hip joint is unique as it can roll around, so be sure to roll your hips in a circle.
Expand your stretching up to your shoulders. Raise them up and then release them a few times. Rotate your wrists in a circle and curl your fingers open and closed.
Moving to your spine, position your neck back and forth, move your head to the side, and rotate it left to right. Do this 5-6 times, really losing the muscles around the neck.
Then, the big stretch that everyone forgets is the jaw stretch. Drop your jaw forward and out and then close it. Repeat this one a few times.
Lastly, just shake your whole body around for a few seconds like you used to do when you were a kid.
Stretching and getting the blood flowing throughout your body is the perfect way to start your morning off right. It allows your body to prepare for the stress of the day ahead and is something you should try to keep up with in your daily routine. When you lay in your bed to end the day, your body will surely thank you.
Be sure to keep up with our latest Doctors on Liens Quick Tip Videos HERE!
Read about stretches to alleviate the tension from whiplash here!
