Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Mobility Actually Decreases Pain!

When faced with physical aches and pains, our tendency is to move less. We forget that more movement is what’s essential to prevent and stop pain! 

Many of us sit at a computer all day long for work, and we wonder why we’re so stiff and begin to lose range of motion. Sitting all day causes your hip flexors, hamstrings, and the joints themselves to stiffen which can lead to back and knee pain. Not to mention typing, which over time can cause all sorts of upper body issues. 

Small and regular upper body exercises will keep a good range of motion in your shoulders. The good news? These movements need no equipment and can be done anywhere! Move your arms in a swimming motion forwards and backwards. Swing your arms back as high as you can. Raise one arm, then the next over your head stretching with each movement, using your hips too. 

Rather than being sedentary, which is the culprit behind much of our pain. Make every effort to get your recommended amount of steps every day! This will keep your joints lubricated and your muscles supple. The ideal is 10,000 steps per day but of course that can vary depending on your day and needs. Some days may be 6,000 and others 15,000 but make a conscious effort to move! 

Our body is all connected, pain in one place can cause pain in another that seems unrelated; for example, if you have knee problems it can cause pain in your back. Look for hip flexor exercises, they will help your entire lower body. Working on the calf and upper leg muscles can also help your knee stability. 

Overall principle: get up and move as much as you can! Take 15 minutes every 3 hours or so to move your body. Take a walk around the block. Do some squats, swing your arms to work those shoulders. Stretch those hamstrings. Take 10 minutes before bed to lay flat and stretch out all your muscles. Your body will thank you!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago