Rusty Joints & Flexibility – Do You Feel Like The “Tin Man?”
Slowing down? Squeaking a little? Moving slower than you used to? Most of us chalk it up to… “well, I’m getting older, and that’s to be expected.” Age isn’t the enemy here, my friends, it’s because our society has become more sedentary. And because of this, we’re now seeing younger people (and I mean younger people) with joint-related problems.
Flexibility is directly related to the mind’s perception of safe movement.
Why This Occurs
Movement. Our joints are lined with cartilage – which is a waxy looking substance that protects the joints – and is a “shock absorber” during an kind of activity. One of the differences between cartilage than any other cellular structures of the body is that it doesn’t have its own blood supply. Instead the body secretes “synovial fluid into the joint which carries oxygen and nutrients to the cartridge – and acts as joint lubrication.
Silent Communication
As we age, the joints become a dumping ground for all sorts of waste, toxins and excess materials. This can lead to degenerative joint disease – characterized by stiff and/or painful joints. The “joint receptors” which are part of the nervous system located around the joints – send “pain and location messages” to the brain. If the brain perceives pain at the joint, it then sends a message back to the painful region, causing the localized muscles to restrict movement of that joint.
How To Remedy The Problem
While, rest is important during acute flare-ups, lack of joint and muscle exercise leads to loss of strength, reduced rang of motion and coordination. Think of it as hinge: if you move the hinge back and forth every day, you eliminate the ability for rust to develop. If you don’t move the hinge, there is a strong chance that it will develop rust and will limit the movement. Your joints are no different.
Joint mobility is the active pursuit of joint health through movement. It is movement alone that simulates the release of synovial fluid – and free of contaminates. As your body reverses the damage through movement, your perception of moving safely improves – and you will experience greater flexibility.
What To Do About “Rusty” Joints.
If you choose to do something about those rusty joints, an exercise program should be implemented with three (3) main goals:
- To preserve and improve range of motion
- To increase strength and enhance stability
- To increase cardiovascular fitness for overall improved health – reducing your risk of disease.
Time should be spent of flexibility and mobility exercises. This can be achieved by static or dynamic stretching. Static stretching requires the muscle to be stretched to the point of resistance and held for a period of time. Dynamic stretching involves repetitive rebounding or rhythmic motions.
Please consult with a musculoskeletal expert before beginning any program – especially if you’re experiencing joint pain. Your exercise program should be designed safely and appropriately for your activity level.
