Tight muscles and stiff joints often have little to do with aging and more to do with lack of activity. So, if you are active and healthy, why are you experiencing stiff joints and tight muscles? Below are a few possible culprits:

• Dehydration
• Too much sitting/inactivity
• Whiplash or a bad fall
• Inflammation

To counteract the effects of these conditions, try these simple lifestyle changes in order to feel better:

Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated. Your muscles and joints will thank you.

Avoid sitting for too long. Set a timer at your desk and get up and move around for 10 minutes every hour. Stretch or walk. Even while sitting at your desk, there are a number of great little leg and foot stretches you can do that will help keep the blood circulating.

Wear good shoes. A proper fit and well-soled shoe can make all the difference in the world. Falling, twisting your ankle or just having feet that hurt are reason enough to invest in comfortable, well-supported shoes. Stable shoes can help prevent the risk of falls, especially as we move into colder seasons.

Eat a balanced diet. When the muscles and joints become inflamed, pain starts. One of the best ways to prevent inflammation is to eat good, clean foods. Vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats help create a good nutritional foundation. In addition, limiting added sugar can help.

Focus on circulation. Good circulation can help ease pain, and regular massage and other complementary therapies can help. Deep tissue massage can also help loosen tight muscles.

To learn more about massage and complementary therapies, such as nutrition counseling and acupuncture, that support your well-being, Contact Us.  We are located in Longmont, Colorado to serve you.