When you’re getting regular chiropractic adjustments, you know how important stretches are to maintaining your adjustment. Stretching your muscles is a great way to improve your circulation, prevent injuries, improve your coordination, and improve your immune system. We’ve gathered three of our favorite stretches to do in between chiropractic appointments to keep feeling well. If you’re in need of a chiropractic adjustment in Santa Fe, call Dr. Steve Perlstein today to schedule an appointment! With that out of the way, let’s stretch it out.

-Child’s Pose

One of the most popular and enduring yoga poses, child’s pose has physical benefits along with psychological benefits. To begin, kneel on the ground and bend forward until your face gently rests on the floor. Either put your arms at your side or over your head in a superhero style stretch.

Child’s pose is a great way to stretch out your lower back while opening your hips. Along with that, this pose provides a great opportunity to relax and meditate. It gives you a chance to quiet your mind and spend some time with your thoughts, something all too often missing from our hectic daily lives. Thanks to these extra benefits, we’ve seen the best results when it’s done at the end of a long day, right before bed. Depending on your comfort level, you can hold this pose for 30 seconds or longer.

-Bound Angle Stretch

For a therapeutic pose that opens up the hips and groin, the bound angle stretch fits the bill. It also provides a good stretch up the full length of your back. It’s recommended to do this in the morning before work or school to start your day off on the right foot.

When you want to do a bound angle stretch, sit on the floor and bring your feet together sole-to-sole. Then, bend your knees and gently lower them to the floor. It’s important you don’t lower them further than is comfortable, as you can risk injuring yourself if you stretch too far. Once you’re at a comfortable level, place your hands on the floor in front of you with your palms down, and inch them forward as far as you can within your comfort levels. When you do this, keep your back as straight as possible. You’ll feel a stretch in your back and hips. Concentrate your breathing, and do this for 30 seconds.

-Standing Side Stretch

This pose is a great way to keep your body in balance and realign your spine. To do a standing side stretch, put your arms out straight and clasp your hands together. Raise your hands above your head and point your index fingers at the ceiling. Bend your upper body to your left, with your hands and arms staying in line with the rest of your torso, and hold that pose. Return to your upright position, then repeat the process on your right.

Having a consistent schedule of stretches will help you maintain great posture and strengthen your body, along with many other benefits. If you’re in need of an adjustment, call Dr. Steve Perlstein today!