04 Oct Principles of Health – Movement: A key Principle
Joint Mobility
If the spine is tight and slightly changes the Nerve Supply to a muscle then that muscle in turn can become tight and refer pain into a joint. That is why when treating , for example, a knee you would first check the Nerve supply from the Spine and then the muscles going to the knee before assuming it is the knee joint itself which is causing the problem. In runners, for instance, it is very common for the TFL muscle or Ilio-Tibial Band on the outside of the upper leg to refer pain into the knee joint, but you could be forgiven for thinking that it is the knee itself giving you the pain!
Fitness/wellness
Movement is also important for Cardio-Vascular, visceral and deep tissue health.
Heart and lungs delivering quality blood throughout the body gives us a better opportunity for repair and vitality, and in turn wellness and fitness. Movement increases heart rate, strengthening the system and encouraging the exchange of nutrient rich fluids at a cellular level. This exchange of fluids also helps us to eliminate unwanted collections of toxic material and waste products from digestion and cellular metabolism.
So, Cardiac exercise is useful in the right amounts and getting out of breath every day is something I recommend to patients. You don’t have to get changed or spend a gym membership to increase your heart rate. A brisk walk is a high value, low impact and hopefully enjoyable activity.
Much research has contributed to our understanding of Cardiac health and Dr Michael Mosley’s book “ Fast Exercise “ is an instructive, and easy read:
“The simple secret of High Intensity Training.
Get fitter, stronger and better in just a few minutes a day”
In conclusion, the body is designed to maintain itself and movement is an important part of that process. It can be broadly divided into Cardio-Vascular fitness and joint mobility. Addressed in the right way for your particular body it is essential for good health. Not only is there a, “feel good factor” associated with movement but we know it will also help to reduce the incidence of visceral conditions such as stroke, heart disease and bowel cancer. It will also reduce the onset of Musculo-skeletal conditions such as Brittle bone disease, Osteoarthritis, and cramps. Prevention is all very well but sometimes there are symptoms for which we need advice and treatment. The next article will discuss the contribution of Osteopathy and Acupuncture.
Article written by Charles Tisdall.
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