Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
I never stretched until, in my early 60s, I began to get bursitis in my knees. Stretching fixed that right up. I agree that riding a bike and working out at a gym does all that most people need in the way of stretching. I might be an outlier in needing to stretch my knee tendons.
I couldn't agree more. These activities (along with maintaining a proper weight and nutrition) are the best ways to stave off, and even reverse, the ravages of aging.
I've never seen a chiropractor, used a roller, had a massage, etc. I have had the occasional injury. Hiking has also been very good therapy for restoring strength and flexibility to injured lower body parts - hiking's really just a fun method of strength training.
It really doesn't hurt to see a chiropractor once in a while, for adjustment and misalignment issues. They're not all charlatans, and some can work wonders especially after an injury. I do however, draw the line at needing to start a subscription in order to get treatment.
As for the massage -- get one. It may seem like a purely indulgent procedure, but I assure you it really does have many therapeutic benefits, particularly if you're active. Unless there's a special area of interest, I recommend at least a Deep tissue massage.
Just remember to communicate with your therapist, and let them know you're trying it for the first time. And of course, it goes without saying that not all therapist are the same, so it helps to ask around for recommendations.