How can stretching prevent muscle imbalances?
Stretching maintains a balance of musculature and restores the length of shortened tissues. Dentists typically assume a forward, head-and-trunk-flexed posture during the day. Over time, this posture may lead to shortened neck and shoulder muscles (scalene, upper trapezius, and pectoral minor muscles) and lengthened upper back or “posture muscles” (middle trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus anterior). Likewise, muscle imbalances exist in the forearm and finger muscles such that the muscles that flex the fingers (to hold instruments), extend the wrist (to grasp), and rotate the forearm become tight after continual use. Stretching can reduce muscle tightness and potential malalignment of soft-tissue structures.
