Spring marks the start of hiking season! Going for a hike can be a fun and challenging way to relieve stress, that also gets you moving. Before any physical activity, it’s important to do stretches that will prepare your body and help prevent injury.

Before Your Hike

Dynamic stretches involve movement, rather than holding poses, so your muscles are ready to take on physical activity:

  1. Alternating Knee Lifts: Standing with your feet hip width apart, lift one knee to your chest and grab below the knee with both hands. Hold for no longer than a few seconds before repeating with the other leg.
  2. Twisting Torso Stretch: Standing with your feet hip width apart, bend down and twist to the right, touching your foot with your left hand. Repeat on the other side.
  3. Alternating Lunges: Standing tall, step one foot forward and lower until the knee reaches a 90-degree angle. Return to the start position and repeat with the other leg.

After Your Hike

Static stretches help loosen the muscles after physical activity, to help decrease soreness:

  1. Quad Stretch: Balancing on your right leg, bring your left heel up and grab the ankle behind your back. Hold and repeat on the left leg.
  2. Hamstring Stretch: From a seated position, extend both legs out in front of you and extend forward.
  3. Runner’s Lunge: Starting in a high plank position, bring your left foot up to your left hand. Hold and repeat with your right foot.
"I just finished my 30 session program and went over my x-rays with Dr. Wade. The improvement in my scoliosis shown in the x-rays was remarkable and corresponded with the greater mobility and wellbeing I have been experiencing. Dr. Wade is very professional and always willing to answer questions and address specific concerns. I highly recommend him."
Austin L.
"Amazing place to get realigned! Everyone in here is highly knowledgeable and genuine. I've been a patient here for 10+ years and recommended it frequently!"
Kyle M.
"I have been a patient for over a year and have seen terrific results from my plan of care. I was introduced to the office by a friend after I told him I was having back pain. The staff and doctors have been outstanding. They took some x-rays and ruled out certain things and put me on a plan of care that helped get me straight and pain free. I can't thank them enough."
Matt U.
"I started going to Dr. D when my orthopedic doctor recommended him for whiplash. I had always been skeptical of chiro services, but Dr. D and his associates are wonderful. They've kept me pain free for years now, as I have monthly adjustments to ensure good health now and in the future. I highly recommend Dr. D."
Maureen W.
When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin I.
"I love Dr. D and his great staff. I have been going to him for about 16 years and I would gladly recommend him to anyone looking for a chiropractor. He has helped me immeasurably."
Lelaneia D.
"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
"I just finished my 30 session program and went over my x-rays with Dr. Wade. The improvement in my scoliosis shown in the x-rays was remarkable and corresponded with the greater mobility and wellbeing I have been experiencing. Dr. Wade is very professional and always willing to answer questions and address specific concerns. I highly recommend him."
Austin L.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"The single greatest team of professionals I’ve ever met and worked with. From the moment you step in, Brooke is absolutely wonderful and always so accommodating with scheduling and brings so much cheer to the office. Dr. Wade is a phenomenal doctor and completely transformed my back after a work related injury that showed underlying spinal conditions. I now am pain free in my day to day activities and back to my normal active lifestyle. Couldn’t recommend this practice enough to anyone and everyone."
Alexis F.
"Dr DeFrancesco is the best. I can’t say enough good things about him. He is a genuine and caring person. It is his help that has allowed me to continue to go to work every day and provide for my family. The staff is always super accommodating and pleasant to deal with. I have never received an attitude. When Dr DeFrancesco is not available, I am fortunate that he leaves me in the talented hands of Dr Wade and Dr LeFavor."
Robert Z.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"Dr Francesco and the staff are outstanding. I am so glad I found out about this chiropractic practice and am forever grateful for how much better I am feeling since getting treatments there."
Jody L.
"I started going to Dr. D when my orthopedic doctor recommended him for whiplash. I had always been skeptical of chiro services, but Dr. D and his associates are wonderful. They've kept me pain free for years now, as I have monthly adjustments to ensure good health now and in the future. I highly recommend Dr. D."
Maureen W.
"The staff at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury is wonderful. They take time to get to know you, personally. They all always have a smile to greet you with and are genuinely concerned for your comfort and well being. Dr DeFrancesco truly wants to make sure you understand your issues with your body and he takes time to explain what those are."
Daniela P.
"The single greatest team of professionals I’ve ever met and worked with. From the moment you step in, Brooke is absolutely wonderful and always so accommodating with scheduling and brings so much cheer to the office. Dr. Wade is a phenomenal doctor and completely transformed my back after a work related injury that showed underlying spinal conditions. I now am pain free in my day to day activities and back to my normal active lifestyle. Couldn’t recommend this practice enough to anyone and everyone."
Alexis F.
"Dr Francesco and the staff are outstanding. I am so glad I found out about this chiropractic practice and am forever grateful for how much better I am feeling since getting treatments there."
Jody L.
"I started coming here 5 years ago. At that time, I had difficulty walking down our hallway. With Dr. D’s care, I am at the gym 4x a week and yoga 2x a week. I will continue to come on a regular basis as part of my proactive healthy living plan. Not only am I grateful for the amazing care I receive here, but for the staff who now feel like family."
Lynn F.
"If I could give more than five stars, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. The office staff are all very professional and accommodating. There have been several instances where I had to make a last minute change to my appointment - either a cancellation or different time - and the office responded right away to make it happen. Not only this, but my appointments are always quick, yet very efficient. The doctors take their time in addressing my questions and explaining things so that I receive the best possible care."
Zach G.
"This practice has been the only place that got rid of my shoulder pain. Prior I tried an orthopedic and PT with no success. I was told it was just due to getting older. Dr. D doesn’t believe people have to live with pain and helped it go away. To top it all off, you never have to wait long in the waiting room."
Jennifer D.
"Such a great experience in understanding and learning how to treat my chronic pain! The office staff is wonderful, informative and empathetic! Dr. D is also invested in making you to your best self! They found a convert here!"
Debby D.
"I'm a very active individual and lower back pain was getting in the way of activities I love. While my back is still a work in progress, the time spent with Dr. D has been well worth it. I just ran 2 marathons in 2 weeks and these sessions helped me run these races with no back pain."
Matt from mission FITNESS
"I still can't say enough good things about Dr. D. and his staff. My level of care remains excellent and Dr. D continues to go above and beyond to take care of my family's health, even helping my daughter find and transition to a new chiropractor when she moved out of state. Truly a practice that cares about its patients!"
Lisa C.
"Best chiropractor in town!!! This office is amazing and always there when you need them! I’ve been a patient of Dr. D for over 25 years can’t say enough about him...you won’t be disappointed!"
Amy W.
"My whole family goes to Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. My other half has been getting adjustments for years and he has been the driving force for the family to get checked out. He says since he has been coming here, if his back has any issues or is out, it seems to get better much faster than ever before. If you've had any problems with your back, you'll know that speaks volumes. We trust this group!"
Maggie P.
"I have been a patient for over a year and have seen terrific results from my plan of care. I was introduced to the office by a friend after I told him I was having back pain. The staff and doctors have been outstanding. They took some x-rays and ruled out certain things and put me on a plan of care that helped get me straight and pain free. I can't thank them enough."
Matt U.
"I have been going to the Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury for years. Dr. D. keeps me walking and moving so I can work and enjoy my grandchildren. The staff in the office are great. They are like a second family to me. I know I can call and they will always fit me in if I have to have an adjustment."
Catherine K.
"I just finished my 30 session program and went over my x-rays with Dr. Wade. The improvement in my scoliosis shown in the x-rays was remarkable and corresponded with the greater mobility and wellbeing I have been experiencing. Dr. Wade is very professional and always willing to answer questions and address specific concerns. I highly recommend him."
Austin L.
"Amazing place to get realigned! Everyone in here is highly knowledgeable and genuine. I've been a patient here for 10+ years and recommended it frequently!"
Kyle M.
"I'm a very active individual and lower back pain was getting in the way of activities I love. While my back is still a work in progress, the time spent with Dr. D has been well worth it. I just ran 2 marathons in 2 weeks and these sessions helped me run these races with no back pain."
Matt from mission FITNESS
"My whole family goes to Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. My other half has been getting adjustments for years and he has been the driving force for the family to get checked out. He says since he has been coming here, if his back has any issues or is out, it seems to get better much faster than ever before. If you've had any problems with your back, you'll know that speaks volumes. We trust this group!"
Maggie P.
"I felt heard, taken care of, treated with kindness and respect. Wonderful positive experience. A very welcoming office and staff. Definitely a five star establishment!"
Beth M.
"Best chiropractor in town!!! This office is amazing and always there when you need them! I’ve been a patient of Dr. D for over 25 years can’t say enough about him...you won’t be disappointed!"
Amy W.
When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin I.
"Been going to The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury for over 5 years and it is always been a great, safe and welcoming experience! Cannot recommend it enough."
Olivia M.
"My whole family goes to Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. My other half has been getting adjustments for years and he has been the driving force for the family to get checked out. He says since he has been coming here, if his back has any issues or is out, it seems to get better much faster than ever before. If you've had any problems with your back, you'll know that speaks volumes. We trust this group!"
Maggie P.
"The staff at Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury is wonderful. They take time to get to know you, personally. They all always have a smile to greet you with and are genuinely concerned for your comfort and well being. Dr DeFrancesco truly wants to make sure you understand your issues with your body and he takes time to explain what those are."
Daniela P.
"Best chiropractor in town!!! This office is amazing and always there when you need them! I’ve been a patient of Dr. D for over 25 years can’t say enough about him...you won’t be disappointed!"
Amy W.
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