Our 3 Favorite Tips for Living Pain Free
In the busy-ness of life we often scrounge enough time to fit in exercise, but not the other caretaking required to stick with exercise and keep moving without pain long-term. If you often find yourself nursing sore muscles or joints, follow these simple tips!
-
Stretching – whether you’re exercising at a high intensity or a low intensity, a good 10 minute stretching routine after a workout or before bed makes all the difference. Legs Up a Wall pose is our favorite way to improve circulation and help the lower body rejuvenate after exercise or just a long day of sitting. Find a spot to sit close to a wall, lay back with a towel under your neck and wiggle your body closer to the wall as you extend your feet vertically up. Make sure your head and pelvis are in a neutral position and just relax for about 10 minutes. This yoga pose can reduce leg swelling, inflammation, loosen your back and hamstrings, relieve headaches, and reduce anxiety.
-
Hydrate – ok all of you non-water drinkers out there! Dehydration makes you feel tired, cranky and sore. If drinking water is a challenge, try one of these:
· Eat banana with nut butter – this is an electrolyte superfood combo, great for a snack and especially after a workout.
· Coconut water – coconut water naturally contains potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and sodium making it nature’s electrolyte drink. Much better than the artificially dyed and sugared options out there.
· DIY your own electrolyte drink – start with warm water, juice of a lemon, big pinch of sea salt, and a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Mix and enjoy your naturally healthy version of an electrolyte drink.
-
Acupuncture and Cupping – You didn't think we would leave out our obvious favorite did you? Monthly or bi-monthly acupuncture can do wonders for supporting your joints and muscles. Making it a regular part of your routine ensures that your problem areas will get the support they need to keep going strong. Acupuncture can reduce pain in the back and around joints, bringing more circulation to the area and reducing local inflammation. Cupping is awesome! If you haven’t tried cupping yet make sure you ask for it at your next appointment. We can use strong stationary cupping to relieve acute inflamed muscles or milder “running cups” that glide along the back to lift and separate the fascia and muscles allowing for better blood flow and improved movement without pain.