Keeping your body moving is crucial to maintaining autonomy at all ages. Here are some useful tips from our physiotherapist to help keep your body healthy.

Take regular breaks

Taking regular hourly breaks while working in prolonged positions will help relieve muscle and joint stiffness. Take a walk, stretch, or stand up – try and move your body. A change in position will also help improve circulation to your lower body as well!

Posture

The way we sit and hold ourselves affects where the load is placed in our body. Areas of the body, like the neck and back, can carry increased stress and tension if held in sustained positions. Keep a conscious effort not to slouch to prevent pain and dysfunction.

Exercise

30 minutes of moderate intensity activity a day is proven to have significant health benefits for our hearts, bodies, and minds. It prevents and manages a variety of diseases as well as being good for the mind. Strength training is also an important part of looking after our body for building muscle mass, protecting bone health and prevent injury.

Stretching

Flexibility is a key component of a healthy body so stretching after you exercise is important to minimize injury. It keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, which is needed to maintain range of motion in the joints.

Balance

Balance is an important aspect of health. Incorporating balance exercises into your routine will improve mobility, joint stability and body awareness as well as reduce the risk of falls. Try standing on one leg while you brush your teeth or while you wait for the jug to boil.

POLICE method

After sustaining a soft tissue injury, we recommend you use the POLICE method straight away to aid your recovery – protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, and elevation.

Ergonomics

An ergonomically correct workstation helps to maintain a healthy posture and prevent work-related injuries. Both the height and distance of the computer, chair and desk has a direct impact on your posture. Discuss your work desk set up with your physiotherapist to ensure your body is supported and well aligned.

By Charlotte Hopcroft – Physiotherapist at Active Health Christchurch