Malachy McHugh: How stretching actually changes your muscles

How stretching actually changes your muscles

An athlete is preparing for a game. They've put on their gear and done their warmup, and now it's time for one more routine — stretching. Typically, athletes stretch before physical activity to avoid injuries like strains and tears. But does stretching actually prevent these issues? And if so, how long do the benefits of stretching last? Malachy McHugh explores the finer points of flexibility. [Directed by Sofia Pashaei, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

Stretching can temporarily boost flexibility and may reduce some muscle injuries, but its effects vanish within ten minutes without continued movement. Unlike rubber bands, muscles are viscoelastic and adapt to being stretched through both structure and neural pathways. Only long-term, frequent stretching adds lasting flexibility, requiring at least ten minutes daily for two months. However, stretching is not a cure-all and can be unnecessary, or even risky, depending on the activity and individual needs.