Blood has two objectives - carrying nutrition & oxygen. The muscles that are continuously working tend to become short and stiff leading to lower blood supply. If the muscle is receiving less nutrition the muscle may feel weak.

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Medical Classification of a Muscle:

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Let the normal muscle be  - N - with a length of 10 inches.

Let muscle which weak/short be - (N -1) - with length of 8 inches.

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When we stretch, both oxygen and nutrition will improve, and hence the 8 inches muscle will restore to 10 inches which is its natural state and normal strength and length. Hence, stretching will definitely lead to strengthening.

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Does Stretching Lead to Strengthening ?

Example - If you try to remove a bucket of water from a well and stop it half way through and hold it long enough, it will lead to strain in the muscles of the arms. Similarly, whenever we excessively use our phones, our head is partially suspended leading the muscles in the neck, such as upper trapezius, the Levator Scapula, and scalenes, to get tired and weak.

Objective of neck muscles:

1. Hold the weight of the head

2. Movement of the head

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Medical definition of Strength - Ability to move or lift any object. As long as you are able to bring the muscles back to their normalcy, they are getting strengthened. To lead a normal life whatever strength nature has given naturally, to sustain, is enough. Therefore, stretching will lead to strengthening automatically.

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What is Extra Strengthening of Muscle - N+1

Let us say a patient says s/he needs extra strength (let the extra strength be - N +1) because for their profession, just like a bodybuilder needs more upper trapezius strength. In such cases, N+ 1 training can be incorporated, and this will lead to change in the nature of the muscle, by
 

1. Increasing  the fibers of the muscle

2. Increasing the thickness of these fibers (hypertrophic muscle)

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Limitations of extra strength N+1

1. Range of motion of the joints will be  restricted,  because, when a muscle bulks up more  than normal, some part of that pressure can be felt on the joints

2. However, if we stretch simultaneously the range of motion will not be compromised to that extent. That’s why the role of stretching  in cases of N + 1 is also quite high.

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Physical Benefits of Stretching

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 The role of stretching helps in every case​

1. N - 1 cases - Therapeutically, to restore natural strength

2. N  cases  -  To maintain normalcy in strength

3. N + 1 cases - To help to prevent injury and also maintain the range of motion

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Psychological Benefits of Stretching

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1. Stretching gives a very soothing and relaxing effect on the mind

2. The blood circulation in the body during stretching helps eliminate all the chemicals responsible for fatigue which affect the normal functioning of muscles and those who consume energy.

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Summary:

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Stretching at all levels is very important.

In stretching, N + 1 is extra strength and to bring it from N-1 to N we will say Strengthening through stretching.

Patients need is to bring from N -1 to N.

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*This article was published in Medical Yoga Times - New Delhi in the September edition of 2023.