9 Chiropractic Approved Summer Activities for Joint Pain

As summertime approaches, people across the country are gearing up to enjoy schedules packed with activity. Summer means vacation time, enjoying the sun, long days, late nights, and spending more time being active outside. However, not everyone gets to enjoy the season without a care in the world. If you’re living with chronic joint pain, it can be difficult to thoroughly enjoy all of the fun activities that summer offers. To get the most out of the nice weather, here are 9 chiropractic approved summer activities for joint pain.

1. Swimming

One of the best activities you can participate in to help alleviate joint pain and get in some aerobic exercise is swimming. Swimming can be casual, or you can do a few laps around the pool. Just being in the water is a great way to improve strength and get exercise without putting pressure on your joints. Swimming is also a great way to lower your blood pressure.

2. Aquatics

For those of you who are looking to add some fun, strength training exercises to their day while reducing the impact on your body, consider water aerobics or aquatics. There are plenty of options for group classes or you can just jump in the pool or the ocean and create your own routine. The resistance that water provides can build muscle without causing additional wear and tear on joints.

3. Riding Your Bike

Summer is the perfect time to explore your city or town on your bicycle. Strap on your helmet, gather up some friends or family, and get outside. Riding your bicycle is one of the great low impact, chiropractic approved summer activities for joint pain. Just make sure that you maintain good posture and take breaks as needed.

4. Relaxing in a Hammock 

There’s nothing like sitting back on a beautiful summer’s day with a cold glass of lemonade and your favorite book. When you take the opportunity to relax in a hammock, you’ll help your body rejuvenate without putting pressure on joints and muscles. The flexibility of the hammock allows your body to relax naturally to better fight inflammation and alleviate joint pain.

5. Hiking 

Hiking is a great way to get outdoors, get some exercise, and explore new nature hideaways. Try to explore new locations and enjoy the fresh air as much as possible. Just make sure that you take your time and use walking sticks if the hike is going to be more challenging.

6. Outdoor Yoga

Yoga is one of the best summer activities for joint pain. It’s an exercise you can perform to alleviate both current and future joint pain. When you do yoga outdoors during the summer, the warmth will help improve flexibility and it actually boosts the overall effectiveness of yoga itself. Grab your mat and head outside every day for the biggest impact on joint pain.

7. Walking

While you might not think that walking is beneficial, it’s a great way to get outside and get the blood pumping. In fact, walking is one of the best exercises you can do on a daily basis to boost your health while limiting the impact on your joints. Although walking is also one of the best summer activities for joint pain, try going early in the morning or as the sun is setting to stay cool if the heat bothers you.

8. Strength Training

Strength training allows you to build muscles that will better protect your joints and ligaments. You don’t have to start with heavy weights to get results; even body weight exercises can help you build muscle. Talk to your doctor about starting an exercise regimen and make sure that you take time to rest and recover.

9. Chiropractic Care

Finally, taking time to add the proper chiropractic care to your summer activities is a great way to stay proactive about your health and reduce residual pain. To get the most out of your summer, call AZ Chiropractic today.

Seeing a chiropractor after summer activities for joint pain

Enjoy the summer while you can and when the leaves begin to change, make sure you schedule your post-summer chiropractic visit. This gives your doctor a chance to monitor your body after a season filled with activity and make sure that you aren’t suffering from any injuries.

Our bodies are composed of joints, ligaments, muscles, and bones. It’s how we move around and do the things we love most. Unfortunately, as we begin to age or are subject to injury, the flexibility and movement in our joints can deteriorate. Since joints are how every musculoskeletal movement is performed, it’s understandable that they can become stiff or painful. If you’re suffering from joint pain, don’t feel like you have to continue subjecting yourself to it. AZ Chiropractic offers relief for a variety of aches and pains through ongoing chiropractic services, at-home exercises, and options for neuropathy and chronic pain treatment. To learn more, or to schedule your consultation, call AZ Chiropractic today at 480-899-9923.