Does Stretching Exercises Improve Height After Puberty?

Posted on Mon, 2 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello doctor my name is sagar and want to ask about my height my height is 174cm and want uncrease 180cm please please help me how to increse and to do any exrcise which really work please give best solution for this problem.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please see detailed answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through the question and understand your concerns.

Please provide additional details like age, pubertal status, blood investigations done etc.

If you are before the age of puberty - usually 14-16 yrs in boys- there are medical options like growth hormones to improve your height. But if you have crossed that age, no medications, health supplements or exercise will help you to gain height. This is because in the long bones in your body the growth plate will fuse and no further growth of bone takes place.

The only option in this age will be surgical lengthening of bones which will compromise your bone strength and is not recommended.

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (3 minutes later)

Stretching exercises can do something

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It won't improve height after puberty

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Sorry. Stretching exercises won't improve height after puberty.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar