It looks very plausible that stretching before you exercise doesn’t do much for you. Multiple older surveys suggested this.
Annoyingly, the studies linked in the previous paragraph are 2 decades old, and somehow I can’t find a large, well controlled, trial.
It depends. Like, we should really use common sense here.
If a lack of flexibility results in compensatory movement patterns, or results in force being directed to a small, fragile joint, then yes, a lack of flexibility can result in injury.
On the other hand, if you are very flexible, but do not have strength in your full range of motion, you can also end up putting large amounts if stress on joints in ways they were not meant to handle.
The contortionist and the powerlifter are both very capable athletes in their own rights. But they should be wary of toying with the other’s sport.
New fetish unlocked.