stiffness

Muscle Stiffness

Muscle Stiffness

Many people suffer from muscle stiffness in the morning.  There are many reasons for morning muscle stiffness such as; poor sleeping positions, arthritis, obesity, poor diet, dehydration and having a sedentary lifestyle.

Listed below are examples of ways to decrease muscle stiffness:

  1. Applying heat
  2. Stretching throughout the day
  3. Improve sleeping position- such as, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees.
  4. Taking a shower/bath in the morning followed by stretching
  5. Being active throughout the day

To learn specific exercises that can help decrease your morning muscle stiffness, make an appointment at Harbor Physical Therapy. The physical therapist will create a home exercise program and educate you on specific ways to help reduce your discomfort.

Arthritis

Arthritis can cause stiffness, pain, deformity and loss of function of the joints in your body. Physical therapy can help to decrease pain and restore mobility with the use of exercises and modalities.

A physical therapist can instruct you in exercises to help increase flexibility and improve muscle strength around the joint. Working daily on a home exercise program, will help to prevent loss of the use of your joints and preserve muscle strength.
If you suffer from arthritis, see your local physical therapist to create a home program to help improve your quality of life.