Joints and the Need for Mobility

 Joint Issues and Fitness

    As both an athlete in multiple sports, and a martial artist, I understand the value of healthy joints and the need for mobility. We often underwork and undervalue our joints in our workouts. Our joints are the points of articulation for our bodies, so it is imperative that we attend to them with care. As every person develops their routine, for sports, fitness, martial arts, or just a physical life, plan to have a way to deal with developing mobility. 

    It is both a blessing and a challenge to be an older athlete. I tell my young athletes, protect yourselves so you can move and be pain free when you are older. I also try to teach that fitness, martials, health and well-being are life long processes that we have to practice weekly and daily, if needed. One of the great things about today's world is the large volumes of information out there that we can use to educate ourselves about how to stay fit and healthy. One of the keys to staying active is having good joints, and exercising those joints appropriately. 

    The photo above is actually the image of one of my knees. You can see the lovely battle scar I have on my knee, from back in the day when surgery was not quite as advanced in correcting injuries. I might have had less scarring if the injury was corrected by today's techniques. Be that as it may, it has provided me some life lessons in how to deal with and appreciate joints and mobility. For the record, so you know, I completely recovered and went on to compete in college track and field, and has a career in martial arts that still is going today. So, that is the good news. Even better news, I have used the lessons in this injury to try to help others with what I have learned with joint care.

    Every joint is different, obviously. Each one has variations in structure, different requirements for movement, different feelings, and the list can go on. However, there are some things in common that every person should be aware of:

            1. Take the time to properly warm up joints and muscles before strenuous exercise.

            2. If you have joint pain and don't know what it is, or don't understand it, take the time to figure                     it out so it can be addressed appropriately.

            3. Be aware of the stresses, and potential stresses on joints when you do an activity, so you can                     protect them appropriately. It will save a lot of pain and down time away from your favorite                     activities.

            4. If you are rehabbing an injury, be sure to work with your doctor or therapist to achieve full                      recovery. 

            5. Be patient when recovering from a joint injury. The injury will recover, just take time to do the                  work and it should respond. If you have questions, always ask your doctor or therapist what is                   happening. That is why they are there. 

    Obviously, I could go on for pages and pages about joint health and its usefulness and importance. I will leave it at that for now. These are just some of my insights as a martial artist, athlete, trainer, and coach. Keep training and find your path. You are doing great!