The following should be kept in mind as contraindications to stretching:
Joint Instability
Joint
instability can be the result of a prior dislocation, fracture, or
sprain. Get advice from your physical therapist or orthopaedic surgeon
before stretching an area of previous injury.
Diseases Affecting the Tissues Being Stretched
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can leave joint structures
weakened. Those with connective tissue disorders also have altered
connective tissue viscoelastic properties. Stretching can lead to
disability, instability or deformity.
Acute Injury
Consult a physical therapist prior to initiating a stretching program
as scar tissue takes time to mature. Premature stretching can cause
reinjury and the deposition of more scar tissue prolonging the
rehabilitation process.
Vascular injury
Talk to your
surgeon if you are recovering from a vascular trauma or are on
anticoagulants. Premature or excessive stretching can lead to further
vascular injury and thromboembolism.
Infection
Consult your family doctor prior to stretcing an area that is infected to avoid tissue damage or spread of the infection.
Excessive Pain When Stretching
If stretching is excessively painful you may be suffering from an
underlying medical condition. See your family doctor or physical
therapist.
Inflammation or Joint Effusion
Be careful
when starting a stretching program around an area of inflammation.
Inflammation can change the viscoelastic properties of connective
tissues and can cause injury if not undertaken correctly. Aggressively
stretching a joint with an effusion can damage capsular structures. See
your physical therapist.
For Stretching Precautions click here.