Is it bad to massage your muscles while stretching?

[Brittany]

I want to stretch out my legs enough to do a full front split, but it really hurts to stretch ( I don't tolerate pain well). If I massage my muscles while they're stretched out, I can go a little further with out so much pain. Is it bad to do this though?

 

[Tink]

If I didn't I would injure myself all the time - go right ahead. I use a sore muscle rub like bengay or tiger balm, beforehand as well, helps a great deal.

Be well
Merry Christmas
Tink

 

[Jessica]

I do it! It is actually good because it loosens them up while u stretch

 

[dcslmt]

Massaging them is fine; try to go in the direction of the muscle fibers, rather than across them.

However...

If your stretching is painful, you are overstretching. You should push to the point where you feel a good stretch, then stop. Hold the stretch. After a few seconds, you'll feel the muscle release bit by bit, and you'll be able to go further into the stretch comfortably. If you're pushing to the point of pain, you are injuring the muscle, and that will result in decreased flexibility over time.

You can also try a technique called CRAC stretching. (A horrible acronym that stands for contract-relax-agonist-contract)
- Go into your normal stretch. Once you've attained a good stretch, contract the muscle that you're stretching. Hold for 7-15 seconds, then release.
- Hold the passive stretch for a few more seconds.
- Next, contract the muscle that does the opposite of the muscle you're stretching. For example, if you're stretching the quads, contract the hamstrings. Hold 7-15 seconds, then relax.
- Continue your stretch for several more seconds. You should see an increase in ROM after each step.

Good luck.