For many living with chronic pain, summer can bring a little anxiety to what would be an exciting time to get outdoors and get active. Selecting appropriate activities, however, can actually help counteract pain in your joints and allow you to get out and enjoy the weather. Consider adding a combination of these activities to your schedule this summer:

Swimming

What better way to enjoy the heat of summer than by taking a refreshing dip in a pool, stream or  lake? Swimming is a great way to have fun and relax with the whole family.  It’s also a fantastic aerobic exercise that will strengthen your muscles and joints, without creating additional wear and tear. Water’s buoyancy on your body helps to let your muscle motion have less impact on your joints- it counteracts some of the effects of gravity. Also, submerging yourself in water naturally lowers your blood pressure as you relax.

Riding

Gather the family, strap on your helmets and hit the road. Riding a bike is actually a low impact activity that’s not only fun, it’s a great way to exercise and will improve your overall fitness. Gliding along paved roads or trails is less impactful on joints than mountain biking, but both are great, healthy activities. The regular motion of pedaling helps strengthen the muscles supporting the joints of your knees and hips, while not causing the jarring impact that running or jogging may cause.

Napping

Ok, what? How is that helpful? With all the added activities we generally take part in during the summer; chasing the kids and dogs around outdoors, home improvement projects, yard work, etc., your body does need time to rejuvenate. Take an opportunity to relax in a hammock or lounge chair from time to time. Rest combats inflammation and helps heal aching joints.

Hiking

Hiking strengthens our muscles which can relieve chronic pain. But go simple. Don’t climb a mountain if you have joint pain. Instead try checking out a new lake, find a light trail at a local park or just walk your neighborhood. The movement will help keep you muscles from tightening and additionally give some light aerobic exercise- good for your whole body.

Stretching

Simple stretching and holding positions like in Yoga can help promote relaxation while also being a source of physical therapy which encourages overall wellness within your body.  Stretching out in summer weather can help improve your flexibility. The key really is getting out and enjoying the warmth of summer without aggravating aches and pains. There are many activities known to decrease joint pain and promote overall wellness and these are just a few.

An important rule to remember is to start slowly.  Don’t throw yourself fully into any activity, but work your way into it gradually. Give your body time to adapt to the increasing levels of exertion.  One of the best ways to ensure your body is ready for summer is to get a chiropractic adjustment at Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics.  We’ll help realign your spine, taking pressure off of your discs and joints, which will help avoid injuries and increase mobility.

Don’t let pain keep you locked up indoors this season. Try some of our suggestions, come up with some of your own ideas, and take back your summer.

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