Stretching, when done correctly, increases both the active and passive range of motion of the joints and reduces the resistance in the opposing muscles and joints, which increases the amount of strength that can be translated into speed. In addition, the likelihood of injury is greatly reduced. An imbalance between the flexibility of opposing muscle groups in a joint or between the same muscles on opposite sides of the body can distort bodily movement and render the movement less effective. It can also create a difference in the stresses borne on different parts of the body and lead to overuse injuries or even nerve impingement. (more…)