Healthy Joints and You by Dr. Amit Patel DC to learn more about Ipswich Spine Clinic and our practice in Ipswich, Suffolk.
We look forward to serving you! Call – 01473 232 002
“Ahh, it’s just my age.” How many times have you used that excuse recently?
If you’ve found yourself saying that—or promising you’ll start working out and stretching “soon”—listen up. The truth is, if we don’t use it, we lose it.
Understanding Joint Flexibility
As we get older, many of us experience increasing stiffness in our muscles and joints. Our shoulders, knees, ankles, and even spine may not move as easily as they once did. It becomes harder to bend over to pick something up or to turn your head fully when driving.
The bad news: left untreated, joints do get stiffer with age, and ignored, they can lose a significant amount of mobility.
The good news: you can do plenty to prevent this! With the right approach, you can regain and retain much of your youthful flexibility—if you’re willing to be proactive.
Joints such as the shoulder, knee, and ankle are lubricated by synovial fluid. This fluid keeps joints moist, provides oxygen and nutrients, and helps remove waste products. The joints in your spine function the same way. Unfortunately, the natural aging process reduces the amount of synovial fluid available and makes the remaining fluid thicker. This means less lubrication—and stiffer joints throughout your body.
Ready for Action
One of the best ways to fight this natural process is simple: stay active.
Our bodies were designed for physical work, but most modern life involves sitting—at desks, in front of screens, or commuting. None of these activities keep our joints moving. If we want to protect our flexibility and mobility, we must make movement a priority.
Exercise is key. Almost any activity helps your body pump synovial fluid into your joints, increasing lubrication. Exercise also raises your core body temperature, which decreases the thickness of the synovial fluid, making it flow more easily. The result? Increased joint flexibility, often felt immediately—and lasting benefits if you keep exercising regularly.
Good Advice for Maximum Benefits
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, five times per week. For best results, alternate between cardiovascular exercise and strength training.
Yoga is another great option, as it combines flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular benefits into one workout. The specific type of exercise matters less than your long-term consistency. Stick with it, and you’ll enjoy better joint mobility, improved flexibility, and an overall boost in health and wellness.
We Can Help!
If you’ve avoided moving because of pain or restrictions, you don’t have to do this alone—chiropractic care can help.
One of the core benefits of chiropractic care is improved flexibility in the spinal joints. Loss of spinal motion often leads to muscle tightness, pain, and even secondary issues like headaches, poor sleep, and irritability. By restoring mobility in the neck, mid-back, and lower back, chiropractic care helps your body move and function more efficiently. It also reduces stress on the nervous system, supporting both physical and mental well-being.
Get Healthy Joints Today
If you’re ready to take action, give us a call today. Our team can help you restore optimal function—for optimal health.
For Your Health,
Dr. Amit Patel DC
An Optimal Spine Equals Optimal Health
Ipswich Spine Clinic
Neale Chambers, 6-8 Neale Street
Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3JB
Phone: 01473 232 002
