I know it’s tempting to stop exercising in the summer heat and humidity, however exercise is one of the best ways to control knee pain. If you have knee problems, or have experienced them in the past, here are a few activities to help lower the chances of your knee pain flaring up:
1. Walking
Clearly, walking is a very simple and easy-to-schedule activity that can be done in a variety of locations, from the mall to the high school track to the streets in your neighborhood. If you choose to walk outdoors, be sure to pick a time of day when the sun and heat aren’t at their peak. Apply screensaver even if the sun seems weak. Wear light colors and/or warning reflectors if walking outdoors at night. Walk with someone whose company you enjoy, change routes often to keep the view interesting, or listen to music on your headphones. (Stay alert to what’s going on around you!)
2. Swimming
Great low-impact activity that is extraordinarily beneficial to people who suffer from osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal issues or joint disease.
3. Yoga
Whether it be the relaxing breathing or the ranges of motion involved in the stretching, yoga is a helpful for easing chronic pain.
4. Tai Chi
This popular Chinese discipline incorporates the mind and body to reduce pain/stiffness, while simultaneously building endurance and balance.
5. Pilates
Helps with core strength building and may improve pain more than relaxation/stretching techniques. It’s strongly suggested that you work with an instructor.
6. Simple Stretching
Getting all of your body parts moving and working against gravity can be very beneficial especially if you sit for lengthy periods of time.
7. Golf
In addition to enjoying the challenge and getting some fresh air, golfing combines some of the same benefits of walking. But beware of lower back stress.
8. Aerobics
Besides benefitting your heart, aerobic activity (treadmill or stationary bike) activates your endogenous opioid mechanisms to reduce pain. It can be especially helpful to people with fibromyalgia.
Any time your knee pain becomes overbearing and does not respond to traditional therapy, NJ Pain Care Specialists offers a range of effective, safe, non-surgical treatments to help eliminate the pain and get you back in action. Our elite staff at NJPCS is experienced in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to promote new tissue formation and help heal tendon damage, and Stem Cell Therapy, a new way to harvest large amounts of stem cells from your own body for the repair and regeneration of various tissues and organs.
Enjoy your summer and know that we’re there for you.
At the present time, Stem Cell Therapy and PRP Treatments are not covered by medical insurance.
