Joint Pain

The Secrect, Exercise

Joint pain: it throbs, aches, and hurts. Quite likely, it makes you think twice about everyday tasks and pleasures like going for a brisk walk, lifting your grandchild or some grocery bags, chasing a tennis ball across the court, or driving a golf ball down the fairway. Sharp reminders of your limitations arrive thick and fast, practically every time you move.

What causes joint pain?

Very often, the culprits behind joint pain are

• osteoarthritis
• old injuries
• repetitive or overly forceful movements during sports or work
• posture problems
• aging
• inactivity.

How exercise can help

Ignoring the pain won’t make it go away. Nor will avoiding all motions that spark discomfort. In fact, limiting your movements can weaken muscles, compounding joint trouble, and affect your posture, setting off a cascade of further problems. And while pain relievers and cold or hot packs may offer quick relief, fixes like these are merely temporary.

By contrast, the right set of exercises can be a long-lasting way to tame ankle, knee, hip, or shoulder pain. Practiced regularly, joint pain relief workouts might permit you to postpone—or even avoid—surgery on a problem joint that has been worsening

for years by strengthening key supportive muscles and restoring flexibility. Over time, you may find limitations you’ve learned to work around will begin to ease. Tasks and opportunities for fun that have been weeded out of your repertoire by necessity may come back into reach, too.

Beyond the benefits to your joints, becoming more active can help you stay independent long into your later years. Regular activity is good for your heart and sharpens the mind. It nudges blood pressure down and morale up, eases stress, and shaves off unwanted pounds. Perhaps most importantly, it lessens your risk of dying prematurely. All of this can be achieved at a comfortable pace and very low cost in money or time. 

Dr Neil’s comment:
This is a great article from Harvard Medical School; Ultra important for anyone with joint pain.  I agree with 100% of the information.  In fact, I firmly believe, that exercise, is one of the most important addition that you can make, to improve your health.  The nice thing about exercise is increased energy, mood and weight loss usually follow.  Start out slow and work your way up to vigorous.  Try to exercise for at least a half hour, most days of the week.  Stop in and we can tailor a program specifically for you. 
Or go to my website at www.DrNeilLevin.com and click on videos.  Watch the “Core Exercise” and “Get Strong” videos as a good starting point.  
Click here to print out a copy of my "Core Exercise" sheets to use at home. After 3 weeks of performing these “Core Exercises” you won’t believe how much better you feel. 
Good luck - Dr Neil