As you get older, you’ve probably noticed that there are times when your joints feel stiff, and you’re not sure why. Sometimes it feels like you just need to stretch the area out, but the stretch doesn’t seem to help much, or only helps for a short time before the stiffness returns.
Part of the reason this happens is, as we get older, we tend to be less active. Whether it be sitting more with your job, not having time for sports or the gym anymore, or just having less energy. As we move less, our muscles and joints begin to stiffen, since they very rarely get stretched to their full range of motion.
The other change that happens as you get older is, your joints hold less water. This is so important because that means that your bones are now closer together and there is more chance for them to rub against one another and cause arthritic changes. As your bones develop spurs and degeneration, your range of motion will start to drop even more as you might get discomfort with certain movements and the spurs can cause more wear and tear to your joints.
Chiropractic care helps to keep you flexible as you get older, helping to keep you mobile and slowing down degeneration and arthritic changes, so you keep moving pain-free.
If chronic joint pain and tightness has kept you from doing the things you love, you’ll know better than anyone that mobility is very important to being healthy and happy. That’s why chiropractors focus on improving the range of motion of stiff joints, so you can move through your day unrestricted.
Understanding Range of Motion
Range of motion is the mobility of the joints in your body, measured in degrees of a circle. If you’re healthy, joints maintain a normal range of motion that enables you to move freely, carry on day-to-day activities and simply enjoy life. Injury, poor posture, lack of movement, aging and spinal issues can lower your range of motion and make your joints feel stiff.
Maintain Your Range
Many people visit chiropractors with common problems like back pain, neck pain and joint pain. However, it is only after we help these painful injuries that we can best focus on improving your body’s movement. Regular chiropractic care can help maintain and retain your body’s movement balance to help prevent these kinds of injuries from happening in the first place!
Okay, chiropractic is great, but what else can you do?
Stretch! Taking a few minutes in your morning to stretch your muscles and joints is a great way for you to help maintain your range of motion, and also learn about where your body is tight and what may need some more work! Also, trying to add more movement into your day with walks, swimming, or joining a yoga class is a fantastic way to keep your range of motion, stay active, and improve your overall health! Check out our blog post about walking for more information!
