Do you ever notice a snap, crackle, or pop—like a bowl of Rice Krispies—coming from your shoulder when you lift your arm overhead or exercise? If so, you might be wondering if this is something to be concerned about and whether physical therapy can help address it.
Do your hips or lower back feel tight when you squat? Do your shoulders feel stiff when you try to raise your arms overhead, or do your ankles feel restricted during certain movements? These are common complaints seen regularly in the field of sports physical therapy.
Many people believe that sports physical therapy and performance training should involve a significant amount of stretching. However, every aspect of injury rehabilitation or athletic training needs to serve a clear and specific purpose. When was the last time you paused and asked yourself, “What do I hope to gain from stretching this area?” or “Does this particular muscle even need to be stretched?”
