Page 50 - Life In Naples Magazine - November 2015
P. 50
HEALTH & FITNESS
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR BODY
by Paula Allia W hat if I was to tell you that most the involved joints and anatomic limitations rule.
PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS of the arthritis in your body was Each day joints that are abnormally
caused by you? Would this be
“No matter something that you would take compressed can make transformational changes
the responsibility for or would you just blame it and or develop bone spurs or if two surfaces are
what physical on normal wear and tear? Some may even blame abnormally rubbing together the involved bones
pain you it on genetics. Why is it then that some people start to breakdown. The bones shiny smooth
can be runners or very active their whole lives surfaces now start to show signs of erosion. Bone
may already and have minimal or no arthritis? on bone with movement is a viscous cycle. Stop
experience from the cycle from progressing before it is too late.
These are questions that each of you should
your muscles ask yourselves. In actuality, it is your posture Most people that experience pain look for
and joints, and a combination of faulty joint mechanics, quick fixes. Many are on arthritis medicine or
inadequate neuromuscular coordination and pain and inflammation reducers. These may
there are steps movement impairments that over time break temporarily help you but if you do not address
that can be your body down and subject you to pain and the cause of the breakdowns the joints will just
dysfunction. continue to break down.
taken to allow
you to function It is time to take action and try and stop the There are times where people realize that
with less stress advancement of potential problems. First, take a if they lost weight their joints would hurt less.
and strain and look at your posture both at rest and in activities. Others realize that activity is good while others
ultimately less Secondly, recognize how your body reacts to still say they cannot exercise because they hurt
activity and if there is any discomfort with more. Still, address the cause!
pain but you activity or positioning. Lastly, do something
about it to delay continued joint stresses and Where do you begin? Take the time to
”have to put in long-term breakdown. If you want quality in observe your posture and recognize your
the effort. your life this is one way to help yourselves! positioning when you are feeling discomfort.
Think back to what you were doing before you
No matter what physical pain you may felt the discomfort. It can be anything static
already experience from your muscles and joints, or dynamic so sensitize yourself and become
there are steps that can be taken to allow you to self-aware.
function with less stress and strain and ultimately
less pain but you have to put in the effort. Take the opportunity to be proactive if you
can before you need to be reactive! At Fitness
Poor posture is usually the result of Together in downtown Naples 239.263.9348,
asymmetries. Some muscles become tight we address muscular imbalances and try and
while others become lengthening and weak. educate you to make the necessary changes to age
Ligaments may also be overstretched and if so, more gracefully. Take the step to come in if you
they are unable to support the joint properly. have issues and be evaluated by an experienced
Abnormal positioning occurs, the weak muscles physical therapist that specializes in orthopedics
cannot perform their jobs adequately so the tight and movement imbalances. You can be taught
muscles are able to stay tight. The longer this things to do at home to help yourself.
stays imbalanced, the harder it is to reverse the
faulty posture.The wear and tear can break down Look for futures articles that will address
various faults in our body and become self-aware.
To Your Health!
Fitness Together Life in Naples | November 2015
335 14th Ave South
Naples, FL 34102
239.263.9348
FitnessTogether.com/Naples
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