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As mentioned in our previous article, charley horses can produce intense pain. 
They sneak up on you while you are asleep in your bed and can become very painful. Thankfully, this problem can be prevented through stretching. Using the CanDo® Dynamic Stretch Strap can help relieve this pain and prevent muscle spasms from occurring in the future.
There are multiple stretching exercises you can do to prevent charley horses. With the CanDo® Stretch Strap, these stretching exercises can be made easier. This stretch strap is made with elastic pockets that allow the user to ease into a stretch. The strap is designed for facilitated stretching, an active form of stretching that uses isometric contractions to achieve greater flexibility gains than from static stretching. What is great about the stretch strap is that it permits dynamic stretching rather than static stretching.
For those who are unaware, dynamic stretching is slow and controlled movements that keep joints and muscles moving. Dynamic stretching allows for optimal muscle activation, which is ideal for those in pain from muscle spasms. Static stretching is stretching that exerts the muscles without moving the joints. An example of this would be bending your leg and holding that position for a certain amount of time. This type of stretching can be done on your own without help and is not as effective as dynamic stretching.
Performing dynamic stretching with the CanDo® Stretch Strap can make you less likely to contract muscle spasms. In the case of the charley horse, it is a good idea to stretch your legs. To get a good stretch in your legs, lay on your back, hold each end of the strap and place the middle of the strap around the middle of one of your feet. Then proceed to lift your leg up, firmly holding onto the strap, to get a good stretch. Do this until you feel a nice burn and then repeat this stretch on the other leg.
For all your charley horse woes, stretching can be the answer. Stretching your legs out will help treat and prevent those painful muscle spasms from happening. If you exercise, be sure you stretch before you start your workout. For those who aren’t as athletically inclined and still get charley horses, try stretching before bed. Stretching before bed and before exercises will make your body more limber. This results in you being less tense and more relaxed, while also allowing blood to circulate throughout your body.
If you have painful symptoms related to a charley horse, or other muscle spasms, its best to consult your doctor to decide the best plan of care for you.
To learn more about the CanDo® Stretch Strap, click here.
Article written by William Graves