June may be Men’s Health Month, but it’s important for men to be aware of their habits year round. Preventing knee and back pain is just one step in leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy Centers are there for you when you need back pain therapy in AZ or knee pain treatment in Phoenix, but preventing pain in the first place can be the best solution.
The American Chiropractic Association has reported that half of working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. Changing harmful habits like poor posture and smoking can help prevent this pain. Poor posture puts muscles in positions that they aren’t intended to be in and causes strain. By pulling your shoulders back and sitting up straight, you can relieve pressure from your back and avoid injury. Smoking can also be a contributor to back pain because it restrict your blood oxygen levels and can limit blood flow to the spine and back muscles.
To help relieve back pain, sleep on a mattress with medium firmness, and, when you’re moving heavy objects, lift with your legs to prevent injuries or muscle strain. Working out and building up strong back muscles can help too and encourage weight loss, which further alleviates pain on your muscles and joints. Even if you’re currently undergoing back pain therapy in AZ, you can use these tips to avoid additional injury.
Our clinics also see a large number of male patients who are seeking knee pain treatment in Phoenix. To prevent knee pain, use a brace or athletic tape when doing activities that place extra stress on the knee joint, like hiking, roller skating, and soccer. Also, be sure to stretch your hamstring and calf muscles before exercise to warm them up. Finally, wear shoes during the day and while exercising that have enough arch support, and replace running shoes every 400-600 miles. Combined, these habits can help keep you healthy and pain-free.
Anyone can suffer from back and knee pain, but they tend to be more prevalent in men due to their participation in high-impact activities and contact sports. However, with a little extra care and attention, you can lower your risk of injury and continue living an active lifestyle. If you do find yourself in need of physical therapy, contact Foothills Sports Medicine at www.foothillsrehab.com to receive hands-on therapy that gets results.
Healthy Habits for Men to Prevent Knee and Back Pain
