Important Message from The Joint Chiropractic regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Read More

Joint Health (Part 1): Natural Joint Support

By Dr. Molly Casey

Your Joint Health

There are 360 joints in the healthy human body. If you’re interested in promoting the natural health and wellness of your body, it’s imperative that you look at, pay attention to, and care for your joints. It’s as simple as that. Or is it? There is a lot of information in daily life and the cyber world as to what to do to care for your joints. Below is a foundational approach to caring for your joints in the most holistic and comprehensive manner.

Joint Anatomy

A joint is where two or more bones meet. There are six types of joints each with primary, secondary and tertiary motions specific to that type. Joints are wrapped in a capsule (connective tissue), filled with synovial fluid to help lubricate and facilitate motion, and sometimes have collagenous or fibrous discs which assist with proper movement.

Full Range of Motion

Each type of joint has a specific range of motion, both directionally and degrees. Joints remain healthiest through a lifetime when they are used fully and within the full-range of motion specific to the joint type. Think of a barn door. The more frequently it’s used in its proper and full range of motion, the less that door creaks and the easier it is to move long-term.

Optimal Support

Everything in life functions better with proper and optimal support. The very first element to support anything within the body is proper nervous system functioning.

The second concept to be addressed is proper hydration and fluidity of the joint; in part, that is done by and through proper water consumption, which should be half your body weight in ounces of water per day. In addition, regular and proper full range of motion stimulates the optimal production of the synovial fluid. Synovial fluid assists in smooth range of motion and function for the joint. Move your body fully through the ranges it’s intended to move. Walk stairs instead of elevators. Squat like your kids do, butt to ankles, when playing on the floor. Stand up and simply swing your legs back and forth and make circles from your hip joint. Do the same movements with your shoulders. At your desk, hourly touch your chin to your chest, then look up to the ceiling. Turn your head fully to the right and to the left. Bring your ears as far down to your shoulder as you can get it, then repeat on the other side.

Stretching and strengthening supporting musculature of major joints is going to improve the overall functioning and the ability to maintain longevity. While you can’t attend to every single muscle daily, with stretching and strengthening you can create a regular routine of stretching the major muscle groups. Create a 15-minute routine of upper body in the a.m., and lower body in the p.m. Here are links to a few you can incorporate: hamstrings, quads, calves, chest, and neck and shoulders.

Natural supplementation can be a great source of assistance in improving and maintaining joint health. Make sure to tune in next week and see the primary supplements in my tool bag for optimal joint health.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments promote the health of joints from various avenues. The nervous system is the communication system of the body. The better the body communicates to every single portion and structure, the healthier the body. This includes joints. Chiropractic adjustments also help restore range of motion for joints that, for whatever reason, aren’t moving through the full range. The degree to which joint range of motion is restored is dependent upon numerous factors, including the type and length of wear and tear on the joint, overall health and wellness level of patients, and history of injuries to name a few. Joints that are assessed regularly for range of motion and correction for restrictions offer the joint the best possible opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

Living your best and healthiest life possible must include regular care for your joints. If you don’t support your joints along your journey of life, you will pay on the other of wear and tear. Come in to The Joint Chiropractic to let the chiropractors help you help yourself and your joints.


Related Article

 

 


Download your offer today and save!

$29 New Patient Special, Consultation | Exam | Adjustment

Offer valued at $45. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.