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Stretching

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 02, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: To stretch a muscle is to elongate it by moving its two ends away from one another.

Stretching is generally recommended by doctors, therapists and fitness professionals to help prevent injury and relieve chronic back pain.

While stretching is generally very beneficial, as with any activity doing too much can be damaging to the body.

Also Known As: flexibility
Examples:
Stretching is a great way to prevent injury.
Related Video
How to Stretch Your Lower Body
Learn How to Properly Stretch your Torso

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