Our joints play a vital role in facilitating movement and supporting the weight of our bodies. However, aging, injury, repetitive motions, and certain medical conditions, such as EDS, can cause joint damage and discomfort. Additionally, bad habits that place joints in positions they don’t belong in, creates strain, wear and tear, and pain. Joint protection involves using strategies to keep joints within their neutral position, and this practice can help alleviate pain, prevent further deterioration, and enhance overall joint well-being.
Joint protection techniques aim to minimize compression and strain on the joints, promoting their optimal function and longevity. Joint protection techniques utilize proper body mechanics and movement patterns to reduce excessive stress on the joints. Implementing joint protection strategies, such as maintaining your elbows in front of you, unlocking your knees when standing, and using a pillow between your knees when sleeping, will reduce the pressure on tendons, ligaments, bursae, and the joints themselves. By adopting these strategies, individuals can effectively manage conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, EDS, chronic low back pain, hip bursitis, and other joint-related ailments. Clegg and Guest Physical Therapy incorporates joint protection with all of our clients. It is a key element of successful long term rehabilitation so patients can regain control over their lives, reduce pain levels, and enjoy a better quality of life.
