Why is it important?

Stretching your muscles and joints are important to maximize and maintain function. For instance, arm circles can help maintain the function of your shoulders, making it easier for you to reach for something, or move something out of your way. Preventing tightness in your hips, knees, and ankles will help maximize your walking ability.

What types of exercises are considered stretching or range of motion?

These include arm circles, wrist circles, shoulder shrugs, calf stretches, lifting your knee up towards your chest, bending and extending your knee, knee to chest stretches, back stretches, and ankle circles. Many people also enjoy the movements that are part of Yoga or Tai Chi. The following Yoga stretching exercise was part of the University of Michigan Wellness for Women with Polio Workshop (www.med.umich.edu) and was particularly well received:

The Breathing Tree

• Stand or sit erect. Feet apart, body balanced over hips. Arms at sides, palms forward.
• As you inhale raise your arms slowly up. Stretch up, up.
• Exhale arms to starting position
• Inhale arms to starting position
• Inhale arms slowly up. Stretch up, up
• Exhale arms out at shoulder level. Turn head to look at fingertips
• Exhale twisting from the waist toward the direction you are looking
• Inhale forward. Turn head to look at other fingertips
• Exhale twisting from the waist toward the direction you are looking
• Inhale head forward and arms down to starting position.