Thinking about getting a stretching machine? You will want to read this first to find out if it is an as good idea as it may sound in your head right now. There are some definite pros and cons to getting one, and we want to make it easier for you to make that decision on this. We also want to make sure you factor in the pricing of the stretching machine as well as some alternative options that can be used.
The Rundown On The Stretching Machine
The stretching machine that exists on the market makes it easy for you to lock yourself in a particular position while the machine does most of the work for you. Many people get these stretching machines as an addition to their home gyms.
Pricing wise they can range anywhere from $200 – $5000. They require quite the investment either way, and that is why it is essential to know what you are doing before making this purchase. Many people get the machines because they don’t feel they have the willpower to push themselves to new levels on their own. They hope that the machine can do it for them.
The problem with the thinking that the machine will work for you is that you still have to get in the machine. You still have to develop the habit of using it every day, and you need the willpower to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Positive habits and willpower are two things that do not come easy for all.
The Negatives of Getting a Stretching Machine
The Machine Will Not Hold You Accountable
The problem with a stretching machine is that it is not going to call you and let you know that you are late. A stretching machine is something you never have to worry about letting down. A lot of people buy these machines only to let them sit in their basement and collect dust. Before you buy one the first question you should be asking yourself is will I use this every day?
Limited Options for Stretches
Their biggest problem with getting a stretching machine is that there are only a few body parts you can stretch on them. There is no mechanism for your neck, traps, upper back, quads, or calves. These stretching machines only hit your adductors and your lower back. That is great for those muscles, but you will have to stretch the rest of your body anyway manually. Getting a machine will not cover everything you need it to.
They Can Be Dangerous
A lot of people strain muscles, and the first thing they think to do is stretch. The problem is that if a muscle is torn stretching is not the first thing you want to do because you can make the injury worse.
Combine that with having a machine that can push you further than you can on your own and you have a disaster waiting to happen. When you stretch on your own, or with the help of a healthcare provider you tend to move much slower.
Alternative Options for Stretching Machine
Stretch On Your Own
The most straightforward fix here is to stretch on your own. The reason you may have wanted a machine is that you do not want to do the work of doing it on your own. The next option is excellent for you if that is the case.
When you stretch on your own, you build discipline, and you start to understand your body better. You get a better grasp of how it feels and what it needs to be healthy in the long run. You don’t need much when you stretch on your own but the desire to do it.
Assisted Stretching From a Healthcare Provider
Every once in a while it is great to get some assisted stretching from a healthcare provider. The reason this is great is that you get all the benefits of stretching, but you don’t have to do any yourself, and the healthcare provider will understand the best positions to put you in to make sure that you are not overdoing it either.
The other great thing about assisted stretching is that you learn about a bunch of new stretches that you can do on your own. Nothing is stopping you from doing some of the stretches on your own if you think that they feel good.
How to Find a Healthcare Practioner to Stretch You
The best way to find healthcare provider to stretch you is with 9INE POINT Health. The reason is that 9INE POINT Health is the only platform that allows you to search for healthcare providers by skill set. Any healthcare provider can have a certification to do fascial stretching or assisted stretching but how do you know which ones do? 9INE POINT Health allows you to search for either skill specifically and find the best local options. You can also use the 9INE POINT Health Mobile App if you do not know what you are looking for. The App will help you figure out which direction you should go.
What If You The Stretching Machine Does Not Cut It?
Sometimes you can ice or stretch all you want, but a muscle is in pain because another area is not working or because it is protecting you. With the hips, for example, your back may be hurting because your psoas is doing too much work and it is also tight. The psoas may be doing too much work because your other hip flexors are not activating correctly. The chain reaction could keep going until you get rid of the stretching machine and work with a professional.
Sometimes you need the help of a sports medicine provider. Sports medicine providers are used to working with athletes that need to get results quickly, to get back on the field. If you are not an athlete, I am sure that you still want quick results.
There are many different options you can go with when looking for a provider. You could get a chiropractor, massage therapist, physical therapist or many other options. The key is finding someone you trust and that you are excited to work with.
How to Find The Best Healthcare Providers to Replace Your Stretching Machine
9INE POINT Health is the best place to find the health care providers you need for any injuries. It does not matter where you are hurting; a 9INE POINT Health provider will be able to get you healthy again. 9INE POINT allows you to find the best local providers and compare them quickly using the 9INE POINT Number.
If you have no idea what you need, but you know you need something, 9INE POINT Health is an injury guide, and you will get helped through the process. We make it easier for you to find the information and the person you are looking for.
Skills to Look for in a Healthcare Provider to Replace Stretching Machine
- Active Release Technique
- Graston Technique
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Fascial Stretch Therapy
- Corrective exercises
- Dry Needling
- Sports Background
- Functional Movement Screen
- And more
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
