Spring is here, and I thought it would be useful with the seasonal change to offer some advice from Alex Prince Osteopathy to avoid joint pain in Bristol.
The days are getting longer and warmer, with many of us becoming more active, and with a bit of light appearing at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel, now is a great time to increase exercise and fitness activities.
This not only improves health but also rejuvenates the body and mind.
Spring is a fantastic time of year to start (or re-start) an exercise programme, as well as simply getting more active. Getting outdoors, raising the heart rate with exercise, burning calories, enjoying fresh air and simply feeling positive.
The great thing about exercise and fitness is that there are activity levels to suit everyone, young and old, novice or fitness expert. It's really all up to you!
Activities can be gentle (such as Yoga and Pilates), more active (such as Power Walking and Cycling) or higher impact (such as Running, Bootcamps or High Intensity Training (HIT) classes).
My tips for any Spring exercise to avoid joint pain and possible injuries are:
Start gently, even if it's an exercise or fitness activity you've done before. This is the time of year I often see patients who come in with a niggle or an injury, having done too much too soon, or pushed their bodies too quickly.
Don't over-do the intensity of your exercise. This is easily done if in a group, or if amongst competitive people. Take it steady to avoid injuries.
All work-outs should involve a gentle warm-up, followed by the main body of the work-out, and then a warm down period including some gentle stretching afterwards.
How good is your kit? Make sure that your trainers are up for the job and not falling apart. If you ride a bike, ensure that it's roadworthy and safe.
Whatever fitness or exercise you engage in, make sure you stay warm afterwards as this can lead to stiffness.
Rehydration is particularly important, especially after a strenuous work-out. It is also critical to eat well after exercise.
If you're wondering what are the best forms of exercise are during lockdown my recent News article will provide inspiration and help as Spring weather comes to Bristol.
If you're undertaking sporting activities this Spring, I've written some free advice on how to avoid sporting injuries in Bristol.
My BS6-based osteopathy clinic is fully open so if you’re looking for Covid-safe osteopathic treatment this Spring, please read this news post to find out about the measures in place at my Henleaze osteopathy clinic for patients.
To find out more about the full range of Covid-secure osteopathic treatments that I’m providing in Bristol, please visit here for details.