MOVE! (and enjoy less pain)
While it may appear counter intuitive to engage in physical activity as pain management to joint pain, studies have shown the benefits of staying in motion. This is because the more you move your body, the less joint stiffness you will experience since your joints will not atrophy. Just remember, nonetheless, that you should always listen to your body instead of pushing it past beyond its limits.
The golden rule of healthy joints: Move at regular intervals of the day from your sedentary activities. For example, you should change positions when watching television, take breaks from your work by walking or stretching for a few minutes, and engage in a few minutes of light exercises after reading for an hour or so.
You can even engage in sports activities, such as in-line skating, basketball, and even football but always keep in mind your physical limitations for the meantime. Always wear protective gear especially around your joints, such as padding on your elbows, knees and shin for skating, or braces for tennis and golf.
Stretching exercises are also excellent for joint health because flexibility contributes to better movement. If you can, you should perform stretching exercises at least three times a week, such as with Pilates or yoga, although simple stretching activities will also suffice.
But safety first, even in stretching exercises. You should not stretch your muscles when these are still cold, so to speak. You must first do a light warm-up, such as walking for 20 minutes, which will loosen up your ligaments, joints and tendons.
But while physical exercise is essential for joint health, not all physical exercises are suitable. Your best bets are low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, and bicycling, as well as strength training, if you are up to it. This is because low-impact exercises will not place your joints under severe stress.
Strength training is also crucial for better joint health. When you become stronger, your joints have better support especially when you have a stronger core. You should, furthermore, ask a physical therapist from any of our clinics, such as the Colton clinic by Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, and Highgrove, Grand Terrace.
Do you have questions about joint health or do you want treatment for joint issues, especially in pain management? Come to any of our clinics, such as the Corona clinic by Norco, Home Gardens, Mira Loma, and Pedley.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.