Feel Better. Move Better.
Life gets busy. It's easy to just keep on keeping on and overlook the significance of our movement health. From the moment we get out of bed to the time we lay down at night, our bodies are in motion but how often do we stop and consider the state of our movement health? Just as we see our physician or dentist to check in with other systems in our body we should be regularly seeing a physical therapist to check in with our strength, flexibility, and movement strategies and consider it a priority in your overall wellness plan.
The Significance of Movement
Movement is not just about physical activity; it's fundamental to our very being. The ability to move freely and without discomfort is often taken for granted until it becomes compromised. Disruptions to one area of our movement system can have ripple effects throughout the body. For example, have you ever had a pain in your shoulder when you raise your arm? Human nature is to wait and see if it will go away right? Truthfully, sometimes it does. However, sometimes it stops hurting because you stopped using it or adopted a different movement strategy to do the same thing. If you stopped using it you may notice that your arm feels a bit stiffer than it used to. It may gradually lose some of the strength it had because it isn’t being used as much or in the same way. Sometimes, the shoulder stops hurting but your neck or back may start to ache. Ugh! Our bodies operate on a “use it or lose it” mentality on many levels and not using a part of our body (or using it inefficiently) for a period of time becomes a signal to our systems that we shouldn’t put any additional energy there. If we stick with our shoulder example, maybe you have to lean back a bit extra to get the arm up higher or maybe you keep your hand closer to your body to avoid reaching “too far” away from you. Our bodies excel at finding the path of least resistance to accomplish any given task we give it. This can make us feel like we’re doing fine, but the reality may be that we are setting off a ripple effect that can lead to compensations in the neck, thoracic spine, lower back and elbow just by trying to avoid hurting. This is why it’s so important to address issues as they arise. It’s also important to check in with a movement professional periodically as many times the pain goes away but the compensations remain.
It's not just our physical health that is influenced by movement. Numerous studies have highlighted the strong connection between physical activity and mental well-being. Regular movement has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also enhancing cognitive function and promoting better sleep. You may experience this during a vacation or over the holidays when you can’t quite keep your regular exercise routine due to all the additional demands on your time. A more intense experience of this is when dealing with an injury. It’s not just the pain that makes us feel bad. The limitations we have in our ability to easily get around or do the things we love to do are just as impactful as the injuries themselves.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Regular check-ins with your movement health can act as a preventive measure against potential issues. By identifying and addressing imbalances, weaknesses, or discomfort early on, you can avoid the development of more serious conditions or injuries. Just as we schedule regular check-ups with our doctors for overall health, taking the time to assess and enhance our movement patterns can be a proactive step toward a healthier, more active lifestyle. Checking in with your movement health is not just about preventing injuries; it's about nurturing a relationship with your body and understanding its needs. Making a conscious effort to prioritize your movement health—is a small investment that pays off in the form of a healthier, happier, and more vibrant life.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists. 303-993-2237
