Why Movement Is Such Great Medicine | DJO Global

One of the best forms of medicine to recover, manage or prevent an injury is to simply, move. Whether it’s your hip, leg, shoulder or back, after an injury or surgery your muscles become weak due to a decrease of movement. To strengthen muscles, movement can help.

When we stop moving, we become stiff and little daily actions may become uncomfortable. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to injuries, depression, back pain, sleep disruption, illness and more.

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN HOW SIMPLE MOVEMENT CAN HELP BOOST ONE’S MOOD AND CONFIDENCE

So, if we’re healthy and then become sedentary, the muscles become weaker and then injury can happen. When an injury happens, the way to recover is to strengthen the surrounding muscles. And, to manage the injury to prevent it from re-occurring, movement can help.

SPORT-SPECIFIC MOVEMENT

Depending on the injury, the movement to help you recover will vary. You may not go run a marathon, but small movements to strengthen the legs can help you eventually achieve your goal while healing an injury. Sport-specific movement can help strengthen an injury and help prevent your body from injury.

MOVEMENT TO BOOST MOOD

If you’re an active person, not being able to move can be a letdown. And, if you’re sedentary, you may notice mood swings more easily. Research has shown how simple movement can help boost one’s mood and confidence while aiding to reduce anxiety and depression.

SITTING CAUSES HEALTH ISSUES

With computer jobs, commuting and watching TV, we are a society of sitting more and more, which can cause more harm than good to the body. Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with many health concerns because when you sit, you use less energy than you do when you stand or move.

Studies show that when those who move more instead of sitting can maintain muscle tone and overall well-being, especially as you age. Try to break up your day and go for a walk and stretch your legs and back.

THE BENEFITS OF MOVEMENT

While there is a whole slew of benefits, adding regular exercise in your routine can help you:

• Build strength in weaker muscle groups
• Help prevent blood clots (movement can help get the blood moving throughout your veins)
• Help improve your ability to move after surgery
• Aid to improve reaction time to prevent injury if you step wrong or trip

Simply put, movement helps improves the body, so keep doing it, and make it a priority, regardless of if you’re coming back from an injury or beginning to exercise for the first time in a while. Depending on your goal, the type of movement and duration may vary. But aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Make sure to wear the right gear to help make prevent injury during activity. As always, check with your physician before beginning any new program.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.