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The Dangers of Stretching

Whether training for a marathon, playing sports or losing weight, performing stretches before and after working out may benefit the body. For instance, performing warm-up and cooldown stretches may prevent or treat injuries by increasing flexibility and decreasing muscle tension. However, for the many benefits of stretches, dangers exist.

  1. Pain

    • One misconception of stretching is that you must feel pain when you stretch. Stretching isn't supposed to cause pain. Thus, if you feel pain, then you may have pushed your muscle too far, which can result in a pulled muscle. However, releasing the hold position too soon or forcing the stretch cause problems.

    Improper Technique

    • Performing stretching techniques improperly may cause muscle tears. Although some stretches require you to bounce, most don't. For example, when stretching your calf, stand close to a support structure and lean on it using your forearms. Before stretching, place one foot in front of you, then place the other leg behind it. Slowly lean forward, but don't bounce. If you do bounce, then the constant motion may cause small tears, cites the Mayo Clinic. After the tears heal, scar tissue forms, which causes tightened muscles.

    Potential and Further Injury

    • Muscle fatigue occurs if you overuse your muscles or if you're not in good physical condition when performing activities. The combination of stretching and muscle fatigue causes the tightening of muscles. You experience a muscle cramp called a charley horse. Two dangers that cause further injury include stretching when you have a chronic medical condition and strained muscles. Thus, you may have to consult a physician before using any stretching techniques to learn how to stretch without aggravating or causing further harm to muscles.

    Considerations

    • Passive stretching involves either an outside force such as another person, a rubber band or a towel causing motion instead of your muscles. Stretching poses another danger when done on cold muscles, says the Mayo Clinic. Cold muscles are what you have before a workout. Stretching cold muscles may harm them; instead, do some light exercise such as walking or jogging in place for approximately 10 minutes to warm up the muscles.

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