Movement Myth 3: “I Need to Stretch More.”

Movement is so important to maintaining or improving our health!

When it comes to mobility, we are generally good at finding relief with tools such as stretching. But, does it really work? And, what else can we do when it doesn’t?

Read on …

Movement Myth: “I just need to stretch more.”

Self-help methods like stretching can certainly go a long way in keeping your body moving and minimizing discomfort. But there comes a point when stretching alone just doesn’t cut it.

The Stretching Habit: A Double-Edged Sword?

Stretching has long been hailed as a simple and effective way to maintain flexibility and relieve tension. It’s a popular recommendation from physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and fitness professionals alike.

In fact, the idea that “stretching is the key” is so ingrained in our culture that we see it promoted everywhere, from gym classes to wellness apps. Recently, specialized studios like StretchLabs and StretchZone have even sprung up, offering assisted stretching sessions as a treatment.

Stretching has become a billion-dollar industry — so it must be effective, right?

Does Stretching Really “Work”?

To answer this, we need to define what “work” means in this context:

• Short-term relief? Yes, stretching can provide temporary relief from pain and stiffness. If your goal is to feel better quickly and you have time to stretch, it can absolutely work.
• Daily investment? If you’re committing a few minutes each day to stretch, and it helps you feel more mobile, then stretching works for you in the short term.
• Restoring function long-term? If you’re hoping stretching will resolve chronic muscle tightness, imbalance, or other structural issues, it’s not likely to provide lasting relief on its own. Stretching is limited in its ability to address deeper muscle dysfunction.

Bottom line: Stretching can work for temporary relief, if it fits your schedule and feels good. But if you’re looking to restore long-term muscle function or address persistent pain, it may not be the solution you need.

What the Research Says

A 2023 study titled Chronic Effects of Static Stretching reviewed forty-one studies on stretching and found some interesting takeaways. A couple of the findings surprised me since I am a self-confessed stretching avoider.

Here are all the ins and out’s on the issue from a research-based perspective:

• Flexibility Gains: Assisted stretching (using bands or a partner) produced the most significant improvements in flexibility.
• Strength and Power for Active People: For regular exercisers, the benefits of stretching for muscle strength and power were minimal.
• Strength for Sedentary Individuals: Static stretching actually had a more noticeable effect on strength for older adults and individuals who were generally sedentary.
• Biggest Gains in Females and Older Adults: The research showed that stretching was most beneficial for less fit populations — particularly older adults and women who were not regularly active.

What Does This Mean for You?

• If you’re sedentary or not as physically active, you may see more noticeable benefits from stretching — particularly in terms of flexibility and even strength.
• If you’re already active or a regular exerciser, stretching is unlikely to bring significant improvements in your strength or muscle performance.
• Assisted stretching techniques (like using bands or working with a professional) may be more effective at improving flexibility and reducing tightness.

When Stretching Stops Helping: What’s Next?

What do you do when stretching no longer provides the relief you’re looking for? This is where Bridging® comes in.

Instead of simply stretching a tight muscle, Bridging® takes a deeper approach by addressing the root cause of tightness. We ask, “Why is this muscle tight? Which other muscles should be working to support it?” The goal isn’t just to loosen up the tight muscle but to restore balance across the entire muscle group.

Through our 14-step assessment, we quickly identify which muscles are overworked and which ones are underperforming. Then, we use the Bridging® Reset to restore muscle balance, improve function, and reduce tension. The process is fast, gentle, and surprisingly effective — clients often describe it as “relaxing like a massage, but when it’s over, your muscles are improved.”

Ready for a New Approach?

If stretching isn’t giving you the relief you need, it might be time to try something new. With Bridging®, help is just minutes away. Take the first step toward relieving tight muscles and improving your body’s function today.