Lone Tree Physical Therapy

In transition from Winter to Spring, many of us are becoming more active; running again, playing sports outside, and getting back into the outdoor lifestyle.

With the advent of any new activity, it is important to get our bodies accustomed to all the new sensations that are being felt by our joints, muscles and tissues. Having a proper program that slowly introduces new activity without “overloading” our bodies is a good start. Whether it is running, hiking, or cycling, it is best to pace yourself early on to ensure that the tissue of your body adapts well to the onset of new stresses. For starters, do a little less early on, and make sure you feel good the following day. Acclimating your body in this way will avoid excessive soreness or inflammation. If possible, start with low impact exercises first (pool, biking, elliptical) and progress to more loaded activity (running, tennis, hiking).

A good time to stretch is when your muscles are warmed up. Aerobic exercise has been shown to be more effective in warming of deep muscles, as opposed to superficial hot packs, so after your exercise session is a good time to relax and stretch for a bit.

If you do experience consistent pains with activity, talking to a physical therapist can help guide you regarding what to avoid, what to promote, and how to safely increase your activity. Lone Tree Physical Therapy wishes you the best in this transition, and is here for you if you need us!