Many people take for granted that their bodies will sustain their healthy, lubricated joints as a well oiled machine that will not break down. Unfortunately our bodies don’t work in this way. For those with sporting injuries, joint stiffness, pain and swelling, that dreadful word arthritis seems to eventually creep into our bodies. But avoiding arthritis in later years is easy, as long as you take care of your body now. Many young people have the perception that each injury they take on board, will eventually heal and everything will be alright.

We need to nurture and care for our bodies. We need to allow ourselves permission to turn around and tell ourselves that we only get one chance at giving the best we can, to take care of what we have. In the sporting arena, using muscles repeatedly, will cause muscles to tighten.

When an action is repeated for an extended period of time, muscles become short and tight and muscle memory becomes lost. Without proper treatment and rest, surrounding muscles will contract, to overcome the ineffectiveness of the injured muscle. Scar tissue forms in the soft tissues after injuries or invasive surgeries. For example, symptoms such as Pronation, carpel tunnel syndrome, flat feet, tendonitis and many more diagnosis are all caused by the loss of muscle memory. Eventually over time, arthritis can become the niggling effect from overuse or injured muscles. Circulation and good blood flow is the key to all healing.

Stretching and weight bearing exercises are the key factors in restoring the best possible outcomes for our bodies. Gentle stretching helps even the older generation build endurance and mobility. Better sleep, improved range of movement, relaxation and massage therapy are just some methods to improve a better and sustainable you.