Exercising or the lack of exercise and activity both have effects on the body. Exercise and activity has positive effects and unfortunately being sedentary does not allow for neutral effects, instead it affects us negatively.
Research shows that moving is good for our bodies as well as our minds. Within reasonable limits, the more activity we get the better it is for us. Exercise helps us maintain a healthy body weight, enhance our immune system, promotes quality sleep and can help prevent cognitive decline and high blood pressure. Exercise can also reduce our cancer risk. A 2013 study demonstrated that walking an hour a day significantly lowered breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women. Exercise also demonstrated similar effectiveness to medication in a controlled trial for depression.
Despite all the benefits of exercise and activity, injuries do occur if we overdo it and as we age. Tendonitis or tendinopathies, a degenerative condition of the tendon, muscle strains, ligament sprains or tears, bursitis, disc herniation and arthritis can occur despite our best efforts. Overtime we can also become less flexible, especially if we become more sedentary. That makes us more prone to injury and can create imbalances in the forces on our joints.
When injuries or pain do occur. it is best to see your healthcare provider. Knowing what you are dealing with and how to treat it properly will help you be active again in the shortest amount of time. Modifying your activity or therapy can help reduce the pain and get the problem resolved.
Physical and occupational therapists can provide advice about what exercise or activity is beneficial and what types of activities should be avoided. Therapists can also prescribe the right exercises for your condition and fitness goals to get you moving without pain again.
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center has physical and occupational therapists that specialize in orthopedic injuries; including strains, sprains, joint pain, muscle or ligament tears, post-fracture and post-surgical care. Our team includes physical therapists, all of whom have a doctoral degree, and the area’s only dual certified athletic trainer and physical therapist. NARMC’s occupational therapists have a combined 65 years of experience. We have the region’s only doctoral and fellowship trained certified hand and upper extremity therapist. We also pride ourselves on offering a one on one approach to care in a modern well equipped clinic.
Please contact us at 870-414-5051 if we can assist you.