Everyone wakes up feeling some pain in their joints or muscles from time to time. But if you find yourself consistently waking up stiff and achy, it might be time for pain-relief work with Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, Edison, NJ
Aching or stiff joints may be a minor problem that is easily remedied; in other cases, your doctor may have diagnosed a condition or ailment that will benefit from physical therapy. We’ve worked with a wide range of patients who struggle with aches and pains, and we would be happy to work with you to help you enjoy a pain-free life as well!
Stiff and Achy When Wake Up?
Joint tissues become irritated throughout the day and by the
evening, when your mind is tired, you might not even notice it. When you fall
asleep and remain mostly immobile overnight, that allows the inflammation to
grow thicker and irritate the joints even more. The result is that when you
wake up in the morning, your joints are stiff and achy. After you start moving
around, the inflammation becomes more liquid-like and the pain will lessen. One
common remedy for this, which your physical therapist is likely to recommend,
is that you stay properly hydrated throughout the day. Staying hydrated allows
your body’s tissues to function at their normal pace, whereas dehydration slows
down your chemical processes.
Serious Medical Conditions
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a more serious medical
condition that impacts your joints and tissues, physical therapy can probably
help. Here are some of the most common ailments that can be relieved with the
guidance of a physical therapist:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Lupus
- Bursitis
- Gout
- Bone cancer
All of these conditions can cause aching, stiffness and joint pain. A physical therapist will work with you to help you try to achieve a greater range of motion with affected limbs or joints, and to relieve the pain-free life!
Tips for Stiff and Aching Joints
Your physical therapy regimen will largely depend on your
specific symptoms or diagnosis. However, there are a lot of common
recommendations that work well with physical therapy. Here are some tips that
your physical therapist will likely share with you on your path to wellness.
Use Better Posture
If your work requires you to sit at a desk for long hours, or if you stay sedentary for long periods every day, try to get up every half hour for some light stretches. Move around to keep your circulation going, which helps to relieve joint pain. Proper posture when sitting or standing will help your joints to function properly. When we use bad posture, it puts a strain on areas of the body that weren’t meant to be stressed.
Get Good Sleep
Getting enough sleep at night creates a circular benefit with physical therapy exercises. When you get enough sleep, it increases your ability to effectively exercise. When you exercise regularly, it helps you to get better sleep. Better sleep habits and physical exercise keep you away aches and stiffness in your body.
Good Diet
Be sure to consume lots of fruits and vegetables. These healthy foods have more antioxidants and vitamins, which fight off the inflammation that can lead to joint pain. A better diet also helps you to get better sleep and helps your body receive more benefits from exercise.
Physical Therapy Exercises
You don’t have to be a bodybuilder or an Olympic-class
athlete to work with a physical therapist. Most of the exercises and stretches
that Health Plus therapist will recommend are simple to perform and don’t
require any special equipment — and most of our patients are just regular
people
Contact us today at our Edison, NJ offices to schedule a consultation on how physical therapy can help you relieve those aches and pains!
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