Stretching eases the stiffness
There is, however, one lingering problem. My muscles seem to tighten up quicker now. This is especially true after a long drive in the motorhome. After sitting for a couple of hours everything hurts when I first start moving around. To combat this I’ve started stretching more often. If you share this problem with me, here are some stretches I do to help ease the stiffness.
– Sit someplace that gives you good support. Have your feet flat on the ground and about 24 inches apart. Clasp your hands together and lean forward as far as you can, hope fully touching the ground with your knuckles, and hold for 30 to 60 seconds (see below). Repeat as desired./about/chairforwardbend1500-5717925d3df78c3fa221264b.jpg)
– Sit someplace that gives you good support. Place your hands on the top of your head. Let your head fall forward with the weight of your hands giving a little pull. Hold 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat as desired. This is one I can do in the navigator’s seat and pulls the tension out of my upper back and shoulders.
– Sit on a bench or picnic table with your knees against the edge and hands on your thighs. Slowly rotate from the base of your spine to one side while reaching to place your hands on the bench. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat on other side.
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If using a picnic table, some modifications needed.
– Sit someplace that gives you good support. Extend your legs out in front of you (knees can be bent slightly) and reach for your toes with out-stretched hands. Reach as far as you can without discomfort and hold 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat as desired.
– Lay on the floor in a doorway. Place one leg against the door-jam or wall, point to the ceiling with your heel, and have the other leg on the floor. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat on other side. You should “feel” this in the back of your raised leg. If you feel something pulling in the leg on the floor, flex the knee in the leg on the floor.
