The evidence for injury prevention is weak, and there are better reasons to stretch
What it does not do
Prevent injury or reduce soreness. Both have been tested repeatedly and neither effect appears in the results.
What it does
Increases range of motion over weeks of consistent practice. That is genuinely useful and is a slow adaptation rather than a warm-up effect.
What does reduce injury
Gradual increases in load, adequate sleep, and not returning too early from a previous injury. Unglamorous and well supported.
