Use Physical Therapy for Core Strengthening & Stretching
Strengthening your core muscles has numerous benefits that can aid you on your physical therapy journey. A strong core, which consists of the muscles of your lower spine, abdomen, pelvis, and hips, will improve your balance and mobility and protect your lower back and spine. Whether you’re trying to recover from an injury or prevent them, your physical therapist can help you stretch and strengthen those core muscles. Keep reading to learn more about how physical therapy in Beckley can strengthen your core muscles.
What is Your Core and Why Does it Matter?
Your core consists of the muscles that maintain spinal and pelvic stability, and they can be divided into two groups: inner core, and outer core. Your inner core acts in a preventative way to minimize injury, and the outer core muscles are responsible for movement. Maintaining strength in these muscles can prevent accident and injury, and help you maintain your posture, balance, and mobility as you age.
Key Stretches for Core Muscles
One of our physical therapists may recommend one or more of these key stretching exercises designed to strengthen your core muscles. When you’re here, ask your physical therapist for more information about these stretches, which can also be done at home, to improve your core strength:
- Heel walkout
- Hamstring stretch
- Prone press-up
- Plank
- Door frame
Improve Your Posture
Your physical therapist will evaluate your gait and posture to determine how to reduce stress and strain on your core muscles. If you sit at a computer for long periods of time, you’re putting extra pressure on the lumbar spine and may be more prone to lower back pain. Prolonged time at a desk may also cause neck pain. Strengthening your core muscles will help you improve your posture, preventing back or neck pain or injuries.
Key Exercises for Core Muscles
In addition to stretches, your physical therapist will also recommend key exercises to be done during your visit and again at home. Ask us about these key exercises to improve your core strength:
- Bridge
- Crunch
- Plank
- Supine toe-tap
- Bird dog
Ask Our Chiropractors in Beckley How to Strengthen Your Core
If you’re interested in improving your health and fitness, as well as your flexibility and mobility, ask our chiropractors in Beckley how to strengthen your core! Our chiropractors and physical therapists at Integrity Chiropractic can provide stretching and strengthening exercises designed to improve strength, posture, and mobility and reduce pain.
Call us to learn more, or schedule an appointment with us online.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Physical Therapy
