Overexertion is a common reason for achiness or pain. Let’s say you decide to start up a new physical routine. You’ve never been much of a runner, but you want to get into it. So, the first day you run, you push yourself to a mile. You didn’t think it sounded like too much, but your body wasn’t used to it. Your legs were overworked, and the tissues in your muscles got irritated, causing inflammation. Therefore, you wake up the next morning with sore legs. This is what happens when any part of your body is overworked. You may not notice it during the day while you’re moving, but inflammation can thicken overnight during inactivity, causing tissues to become inelastic. This can cause stiffness or pain in the morning, typically easing as you move throughout the day. However, the cause for stiffness isn’t always as cut and dry as, “I did an exercise I wasn’t used to so now I’m sore.” Sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. That’s why it’s important to consult a physical therapist if your aches and pains persist. • SLEEP: This is probably the easiest step you can take to relieve common aches. Your body chemistry is delicate, and not getting enough sleep can affect that. This prevents your muscles and tissues from functioning as they normally would, resulting in stiffness, soreness, or achiness. • STAY HYDRATED: Drinking water is an important part of living a healthy, pain-free life. When you are dehydrated, your tissues become drier, which slows down normal chemical processes in your body. Your body WHY AM I SO ACHY? SIMPLE TIPS FOR ACHE RELIEF:
is 70% water and your muscles are 80% water. When you don’t drink enough water, your body can become achy due to dryness. In order to stay hydrated, you should drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces every day. • MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: Fruits and vegetables with bright colors often have a higher concentration of antioxidants and vitamins. By keeping these a consistent part of your diet, you can better assist your body in both repairing itself from pain or injury, as well as providing a preventative. Fruits and vegetables help your body in maintaining its normal functions. • EXERCISE REGULARLY: Exercise allows your body to efficiently pump blood around your body. When you exercise on a consistent basis, muscles and joints remain warm, lowering the possibility of them becoming tight. • KEEP A GOOD POSTURE: Slouching causes stress on the shoulders and neck, which can cause pain or achiness. If you sit at a desk or computer, it is important to get up every 30 minutes for a few seconds to stretch. Moving around or simply standing up after a while is a great way to maintain a good posture, even if you don’t have a very active day. • GETAPHYSICALTHERAPYCONSULTATION: If your aches and pains are persistent and aren’t going away despite your best efforts, it may be time to consult a physical therapist. They will help you determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
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