If stretching hurts, you may want to consult a physical therapist about different stretches to try. If you do these stretches regularly, you'll probably feel less tension within just a few weeks.

Researchers recently put military men on a two-week stretching regimen. After stretching each leg for a total of 80 seconds four times a week, participants found leg stretches to be less intense. This suggests that it doesn't take long to "adapt" to the sensation of stretching.

A little stretching can go a long way. Ask a physical therapist for safe and comfortable stretches you can do to get started.