Since entering menopause, I've dealt with increasingly painful and stiff joints. A skiing accident last year aggravated my knee, making it even stiffer. With running off-limits and CrossFit paused during rehabilitation, I turned to other methods to regain flexibility.
My physiotherapist provided expert guidance on easing stiffness and improving mobility.
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Stiff joints affect people differently, but with a family history of rheumatism like my mother's, I've stayed vigilant. Over recent years, I've noticed reduced flexibility, exacerbated by menopause. Regular movement is key—prolonged sitting or lying down worsens stiffness, like morning hand joints or my knee. After months of pain-free recovery, I'm focused on these proven approaches:
With running sidelined, I've embraced brisk walking. Accompanied by my dog, I often start the day with an hour-long stroll. This reduces joint stiffness, boosts mobility, and clears the mind.
A soothing warm bath relaxes muscles and joints effectively. While our home lacks a bathtub, our garden jacuzzi serves the same purpose, warming and loosening tissues. I'm committing to more frequent sessions.
To counter morning hand stiffness, I incorporate simple exercises at work. While typing eases it somewhat, I regularly pause to open my hands wide, clench into fists, and repeat several times every 30 minutes. This maintains flexibility.
My physiotherapist recommended light strength training, particularly for my knee. Squats, enhanced with a sandbag for resistance, combat stiffness. These also tone surrounding muscles for better support.
A CrossFit trainer suggested
Curcumin Forte from Flinndal. Turmeric supports muscle and joint flexibility, but daily dietary intake is impractical. Supplements provide a convenient boost. Glucosamine is another option for joint health.
My home elliptical, the MAX Trainer M7, has been invaluable. Its interval workouts offer dual benefits:
Heat therapy via infrared sauna is transformative for muscles and joints. Though monthly visits are ideal but challenging, the relaxation and joint relief are worth it—a bonus for wellness and relationships.
