I hope that everyone is keeping well and staying safe during this period of uncertainty. As time tracks on in self-isolation, I know that our bodies are beginning to feel the lack of massage therapy care. I am getting updates by my governing body on a weekly basis where they continually push the date of continual closure farther out into the future. This closure is now until and including May 6th, but could be extended further.
Since I do not know yet when I will be allowed to reopen my clinic, I have decided to host an online webinar for those wanting knowledge on back and neck stretches, gentle exercises, and self-massage to help their bodies feel better. This event will be 1 hour long and will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11am. If this is something that you are interested in attending, please email me your RSVP at [email protected] to reserve your spot.
My goal is to give you all tools to help make your bodies feel a little better as I know self-isolation has prevented a lot of people from being able to continue with organized activities and has forced many to work from home in situations that are not ergonomic. Check out my business Instagram for exercises, stretches and home-care advice @MedeirosRMT. If there are any subjects or areas that you would like me to incorporate into my webinar, please email me directly and I will try to touch on those items in my discussion; otherwise, there will be a question and answer period at the end of the webinar. The platform I will be using on the day will be Webex. Once you are confirmed as an attendee for the webinar, I will be sending you an invite to join in on May 2nd. Please note that this is an event that will be public; if you have any aches or pains that you would like to discuss privately with me, email me and I will gladly set up a private meeting with you sometime in the future. Looking forward to seeing many of you on May 2nd. In the meantime, below I have attached some information on Osteoarthritis and the importance of exercise.
Exercise and Osteoarthritis
It is inevitable that we will eventually get osteoarthritis (OA) sometime in life due to gravity and the force that it puts on our body’s joints. There are several factors that can lead to the onset of this type of arthritis which may include low bone density, muscle imbalances, and the deterioration of cartilage. Most of these factors can be prevented or slowed down through exercise.
Most people have probably heard the saying “A body in motion, stays in motion”, but how much truth is in that statement? Although exercise may not be able to completely stop the onset of osteoarthritis as there is no cure or prevention for the affect gravity has on us, it can certainly help slow down the progression and help support your bones and joints as long as it is implemented into a lifestyle correctly and safely. If you are a sufferer of osteoarthritis, there is no recommendation to go train for a half marathon, however, some walking added into your weekly routine may help increase bone density and slow the pain progression as strength is added to your leg muscles surrounding your knee joints. When your muscles support your joints better, this can help slow the deterioration of cartilage which is protecting your joints. Other exercises that may be beneficial are: water aerobics, Tai chi, or gentle full range of motion exercises like arm circles or bending and straightening your knees. Movement helps lubricate the joints in the body which helps reduce pain and stiffness.
If you have any questions regarding how exercise can help with your OA, reach out to me via email. I’d be happy to help recommend any exercises or stretches to benefit your health.