Stretching Exercises, Laser Therapy, and PTA Treatment: A Review

This report examines the role of stretching exercises in Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) treatment. It begins by highlighting the importance of flexibility for maintaining joint health and preventing injuries, then explores different types of stretching, including dynamic, static, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching. Dynamic stretching is presented as beneficial for pre-workout warm-ups, while static stretching is emphasized for general fitness, and PNF stretching requires a partner. The report also discusses laser therapy as an alternative treatment for pain, such as neck and knee pain, referencing studies on its effectiveness and potential side effects. The report concludes by summarizing the importance of stretching exercises for efficient joint and muscle function and the applications of laser therapy in pain management. References to relevant sources are provided.

Running head: STRETCHING EXERCISES 1
STRETCHING EXERCISES IN PTA TREATMENT
Name of student
Institution Affiliation

STRETCHING EXERCISES 2
STRETCHING EXERCISES
Stretching exercises are essential for maintaining a strong, healthy and flexible body.
Flexibility is needed to maintain a wide range of joint motions. They also ensure that the muscle
does not tighten and become soft, which can lead to injury of the joints. Stretching exercises are
therefore important for the health and functionality of joints and muscles.
There are different types of stretching for improved flexibility and motion
Dynamic stretching
Dynamic stretching is a type of stretching involving motion. In dynamic stretching, the
body is gradually transitioned into a position, movement repeated as the range of motion
increases (MyFoodDiary, 2019). An example of a dynamic stretch is stretching the arms
repeatedly while jumping. Dynamic stretching can be quite beneficial during the pre-workout
phase as it warms and stretches muscles gently.
Static Stretching
Static stretching involves easing the body into a position and holding for a given period
usually around 30 seconds without releasing the stretch. Static stretching is the most important
for general body fitness (MyFoodDiary, 2019). However, it needs to be performed when the
muscles are already warmed up preferably at the end of a workout or warm-up.
PNF Stretching
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation requires two people to perform the
movements involved. There are many types of PNF stretching (MyFoodDiary, 2019). An
example of PNF stretching would be where person “A” raises one leg while lying down, and the
partner gently presses the leg towards the head in repeated motions.

STRETCHING EXERCISES 3
They are preceded by PTA because they help in the distribution of nutrients into the soft
tissues in the neck, joints and disk space. They are also important for aiding mobility and
improving strength as well as in minimizing reoccurrence (Lorena et al., 2015).
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a substitute treatment type for some types of pain. Laser therapy involves
the use of light-emitting diodes on the surface of the body to alleviate pain. For example, laser
therapy was found to relieve knee pain for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients in a clinical study
carried out in 2005 (Villines, 2017). Additionally, a study carried out in 2009 to analyze the
impact of laser therapy on laser pain found that it was able to relieve pain for a period of up to
twenty-two weeks (Villines, 2017). In the study, a group who received laser therapy reported less
pain. Laser therapy is also used on cancer patients alongside other treatment options. The types
of cancers where it is used include vulvar, vaginal, penile, cervical and non-small cell cancer.
For cancer patients, laser therapy is used to relieve cancer symptoms (Healthline, 2019.
However, it might have some effects including changes in skin color, scarring, pain, infection or
bleeding.
In conclusion, Stretching exercises are important for the efficient functioning of joints
and muscles. These exercises are categorized into dynamic stretching, static stretching, PNF
stretching among others. While static stretching is more effective for general body fitness,
dynamic stretching can be of importance during the pre-workout phase. Laser therapy, on the
other hand, is used to treat some types of pain such as neck and knee pain

STRETCHING EXERCISES 4
References
Healthline. (2019). Laser Therapy: Purpose, Procedure, and Risks. Retrieved from
https://www.healthline.com/health/laser-therapy
Lorena, S. B. D., Lima, M. D. C. C. D., Ranzolin, A., & Duarte, Â. L. B. P. (2015). Effects of
muscle stretching exercises in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review. Revista
Brasileira de rheumatology, 55(2), 167-173.
MyFoodDiary. (2019). 5 Types of Stretching. Retrieved from
https://www.myfooddiary.com/blog/5-types-of-stretching
Villines, Z. (2017). Does laser therapy for knee pain work?. Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318960.php