Your ability to perform tasks and enjoy life ultimately comes down to your range of motion. When you can move well and have decent flexibility, there isn’t much you can’t do.
Anybody with joint pain or a limited range of motion will tell you how frustrating it can make life. While joint pain and limited range of motion may seem like a chronic or static problem, there are things you can do to limit it.
Advertisement
Your joints respond to attention. Even if you have arthritis, you can reduce pain and improve your range of motion if you put your joints in a position to react. It takes time, but consistency is likely to yield results.
Here are a few moves that can help improve your range of motion and promote a higher quality of life.
If pain cripples your ability to use your hands, this gentle exercise can help. Open your hand with your fingers held out straight. Bend the middle joint and touch your fingertips to your palm. Open your hand and repeat the movement 10 times.
To engage the thumb, hold it out and reach it across your hand to touch the base of your little finger before stretching the thumb back out. Do it 10 times.
Shoulders are a common area for pain and mobility trouble. One move that can help involves lying on your back with your hands at your sides. Slowly raise one over your head, keeping it close to your ear, with your elbow straight. Return it to your side and do the other arm. Alternate between each arm 10 times.
Advertisement
The hip joint is a big one that can be a major culprit of mobility problems. Staying flat on the floor, straighten your legs and keep them about six inches apart. Your toes should be pointed towards the ceiling.
Slide one leg out to the side, then back to the starting position, keeping toes pointed up. Do the other leg, going back and forth 10 times.
Doing these moves daily, even when your joints are sore, may help improve range of motion and reduce pain.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
