We don’t always need to have had something traumatic happen to us to pick up an injury or develop pain. Pain can be really disruptive to how you live life day-to-day, it can stop you doing things and even interrupt your sleep.
We can make ourselves more resilient to injuries and pain by keeping our body’s in good condition. Just as we brush our teeth every day, our body needs a little help to keep it tip-top condition. The teeth need brushing to keep them clean and remove plaque, the joints and muscles need movement to combat the effects of being still. Like a car, the body is designed to move, to support us against gravity and take us from A to B. Making sure it is well oiled and all the parts are moving well rewards us with the same effect as sitting in our car and it starting the first time!
In the knee joint, we need to be able to fully straighten and fully bend to complete basic tasks like lying comfortably in bed, getting up the stairs or walking. Gentle daily stretches can help this process.
In the ankle joint, we need to be able to lift our toes up towards our shins, if our calves are tight this may be difficult.
In the shoulder joint, we need to be able to reach up high overhead, this benefits our arms, upper back and neck so taking 30 secs to reach up to the ceiling can really mobilise your upper body.
Learn more on stretching and on how it can benefit your joint pain to help you recover and build strength in your joints.