One of the most frequent questions I am asked is “What stretch can I do, Dr. Nick?” Remembering that this is generic advice and that you should always consult a health-care practitioner (like me!) before engaging on any exercise program, here are some important take-home points:
- A stretch is not what you may need! You may indeed require strength, balance, proprioceptive or stability training. A stretch may make your condition worse!
- Exercises don’t really help too much with pain, but they are critical for the strengthening part of your injury rehabilitation and are good for prevention as well.
- In general, once an injury has rehabilitated, one’s exercise program should incorporate all aspects of fitness training – flexibility, strength, balance, etc. If not, then these exercises can complement the lacking areas.
Here is a link to a fantastic exercise library. If you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
http://www.somaticsenses.com/index.php/prehab/exercise-library
Here are some specific exercises for the hamstring and posterior chain of muscles, a commonly weak area for most people.