Growing older is a blessing, but it comes with new challenges that you have to learn how to overcome to continue living the lifestyle you enjoy. Your muscles may grow tired more easily. Your joints may feel sore all day. It can be easily discouraging to do anything you enjoy because of these symptoms, but there are some simple ways to help manage aches and pains that help you age gracefully. 

Stay hydrated

Roughly 60% of the human body is made up of water. Your body relies on water to fuel its functions, such as heart rate, breathing, and maintaining the condition of your muscles and joints. You need to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your body fuel itself and stay fit.

Be careful to avoid foods and drinks high in sugars, caffeine and sodium. They can cause your body to lose water, which can directly contribute to the development of pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints. 

Improve your posture

Many people sit at a desk all day for their jobs. While this may be a convenient way to work, it is not so convenient for your body. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can strain your spine, especially if you sit with poor posture.

Poor posture includes hunching your head forward, slouching your shoulders and not keeping your feet planted firmly on the floor. You need to work on improving your posture by sitting up straight, keeping your shoulders squared and planting your feet firmly on the floor. This can help reduce strain off your muscles and spine, which helps keep pain at bay.

Additionally, make sure you get up to walk and stretch at least once every hour for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Set an alarm on your computer or smartphone to remind yourself if you need to. Your body is worth it.

Get moving

A sedentary lifestyle leads to your muscles growing weaker and stiffer over time. Some simple exercises can help keep your muscles engaged, so they stay more healthy and strong. 

No, you don’t need to go to the gym to lift weights or run miles on a treadmill. Although, good for you if you do! Instead, we’re suggesting you incorporate more simple activities into your daily life. Go for daily walks. Stretch or do yoga. Enjoy a low-impact activity like tennis or riding a bike. 

All of these help keep your muscles happy so you can live with less pain and stiffness.

VIsit Rehab Access for help managing your aches and pains

Despite your best efforts to keep pain at bay, some conditions can still cause pain regardless. When you cannot handle pain by yourself, you need help from the professionals. At Rehab Access, our physical therapists can work closely with you to identify your needs and develop a personalized treatment routine to help you with your aches and pains. Contact our team today for more information about treating aches and pains or to schedule an initial appointment.